A Shattered Heart: Fighting for Justice After Two Tragic Murders
Prepare to be moved, enraged, and inspired as we dive into the life of Frances Garrett, a mother who has endured unimaginable tragedy but refuses to be silenced. Frances lost two of her children to the horrors of gun violence, and her story is a relentless call for justice and a future where such brutality will no longer be tolerated.
🔥 #SAYHERNAME #JusticeForMichelle #EndPoliceViolence #EnoughIsEnough
In 1984, the devastating blow of gun violence claimed her son, Edward Cusseaux, when he was just 21 years old. The anguish deepened in 2014, as her daughter, Michelle Cusseaux, fell victim to a horrifying incident involving the police. Michelle, battling mental health issues after the trauma of her brother's murder, tragically became yet another casualty of police violence when she was fatally shot by law enforcement.
Frances has channeled her anguish into a battle cry for change, dedicating her life to reforming laws and raising awareness. Michelle's tragic death occurred just days after the Michael Brown case, but Frances refused to let her daughter's story be overshadowed by a “bigger story”. Her relentless efforts were the sparks that ignited the #SAYHERNAME movement, shining a spotlight on the stories of Black women who have suffered at the hands of police violence.
📚 Explore the #SAYHERNAME movement deeper through the book " #SAYHERNAME: Black Women’s Stories of State Violence and Public Silence," available at https://www.aapf.org/shn-book. Support the movement and find more information at https://www.aapf.org/sayhername.
Frances's advocacy also led to the creation of a mental health intervention task force within the Phoenix Police Department, offering 24/7 support for mental health calls. Her vision is to see similar task forces established nationwide, ensuring that mental health crises are met with compassion, not brutality.
Despite her tireless efforts, justice remains elusive. The officer responsible for Michelle's death received a minimal punishment, fueling our righteous anger and emphasizing the urgent need for a radical transformation of our criminal justice system.
It's worth noting that entertainers such as Janelle Monȧe, and Teyana Taylor have elevated Michelle's memory through their music and activism. Beyoncé even displayed a wall with the names of people killed by the police during her Formation Tour. Their anger and passion mirror our own, as they demand justice and change.
Every year, Michelle’s family organizes a Christmas Toy Drive in her honor. You can contribute by donating toys or funds to support their cause.
🎁 Join us in the fight against injustice and learn more at AAHHERC: https://www.aahherc.com/
Frances Garrett's story is one of unwavering determination and defiance in the face of systemic oppression and brutality. Together, we stand united in our anger, our hope, and our commitment to a world where we no longer tolerate the senseless violence against Black lives. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and impactful content. We are the change we seek.
#JusticeForMichelle #JusticeForMichelleCusseaux #EndPoliceBrutality #BlackLivesMatter #EnoughIsEnough #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy #CommunitySupport #ChangeMakers #SAYHERNAMEMovement #ChristmasToyDrive #DonateNow #SupportTheCause #NoveneCTV #Podcast
