Another Avoidable Tragedy: The Violent Legacy of Oppression

URL: https://www.liberalrag.com/round-rock-juneteenth-shooting-gang-violence-keshawn-dixon/

The blatant injustice of the carceral system has once again revealed its ugly face, as an 18-year-old Black youth, Keshawn Dixon, becomes the third suspect arrested in relation to the horrific Juneteenth celebration shooting in Round Rock, Texas. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 15, resulted in the senseless loss of two lives and injuries to 14 others.

URL: https://www.KXAN.com/news/2-killed-multiple-people-injured-in-shooting-at-old-settlers-park-in-round-rock/

The biased narratives in mainstream media have already begun circulating, vilifying Dixon and his association with the "Get Money Entertainment" group, which authorities conveniently label as a "gang." The deep-seated racism inherent in our society rears its ugly head as we witness the criminalization and dehumanization of young Black individuals, who are often victims of systemic oppression and disenfranchisement.

"The disrespect revolved around a member of Get Money Entertainment who had been previously murdered," police stated in their affidavit.

URL: https://www.roundrockpd.org/JuneteenthAffidavit.pdf

Here we bear witness to the callous disregard for the very real and tragic loss suffered by the "Get Money Entertainment" collective. Sensationalist media headlines exploiting Dixon's past run-ins with law enforcement, such as "criminal history including robberies, terroristic threats, and assault," neglect the underlying issues of economic inequality, lack of opportunities, and the intergenerational trauma inflicted by slavery and Jim Crow.

The true perpetrators lurk in the shadows of privilege and power, pulling the strings of a capitalist system that thrives on the backs of the oppressed. While Dixon faces charges and the threat of a decade behind bars, the underlying issues of poverty, racism, and the toxic culture of gun violence fostered by conservative ideologies persist.

"Dixon started shooting and lost control of his gun," a witness recounted, painting a picture of chaos and panic, not premeditated evil.

URL: https://www.roundrockpd.com/interviewtranscripts/WitnessStatement.pdf

Make no mistake, the tragic events of that fateful Juneteenth celebration are a direct consequence of a society that devalues Black lives, perpetuates systemic racism, and turns a blind eye to the plight of our marginalized communities. As we grieve the losses of Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair, may we also commit to dismantling the oppressive structures that give rise to such violence and work towards a future where all our children can thrive, free from the shackles of prejudice and discrimination.

#NoJusticeNoPeace #EndSystemicRacism #BlackLivesMatter