“I am a feminist, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning of the fact that I am Black: it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect. It means that I must everlastingly seek to cleanse myself of the hatred and the contempt that surrounds and permeates my identity, as a woman, and as a Black human being, in this particular world of ours.”
— June Jordan
A Call for Help, A Fatal Response
On November 14th, 2014, 37-year-old Tanisha was killed by the Cleveland police after her family called for assistance with a mental health crisis. During her time in need, Tanisha wandered outside in the cold–unarmed and barefoot, and wearing only a nightgown. Rather than extending a hand in support, a police officer instead executed a “takedown” move, forcing her face-down on the pavement, and handcuffed her, pinning her under her knee for 21 minutes. She died where she lay, with a police officer’s knee on her back.
The #SayHerName Campaign is Born
Tanisha’s name will never be forgotten. The #SayHerName campaign was born just a month after her death, seeking to bring awareness to the overlooked stories of Black women, girls, and femmes victimized by racist police violence. AAPF’s #SayHerName Mothers Network provides a space for family members to advocate and support one another in their grief. Tanisha’s mother, Cassandra, dedicated the rest of her life to raising her granddaughter and building community amongst the mothers, sisters, aunts and nieces in similar predicaments who make up the Mothers Network. But Mother Cassandra’s physical health deteriorated from ongoing trauma, and she died in September 2021—yet another casualty linked to systemic violence against Black women.
A Snapshot of the Crisis of Mental Health Care for Black Women
Many Black women carry the extra burden of mental illness while trying to navigate life in America’s often hostile sociopolitical climate. A stunning 61% of Black women say they prepare for possible insults or must carefully manage their appearance to enhance the possibility of fair treatment during healthcare visits.
The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and the #SayHerName Mothers Network applaud the passage of Tanisha’s Law, a long overdue yet important initial response to the extrajudicial murder of Tanisha Anderson. Tanisha’s Law will establish a Community Crisis Response Department in Cleveland City Hall, alongside a new deputy commissioner who will dispatch unarmed crisis responders to the appropriate 911 calls. This law and others like it have the potential to interrupt one site where police violence disproportionately affects Black women: when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Black women’s deaths at the hands of police often occur in contexts where they should have been safe—during routine traffic stops, wellness checks, or minor legal disputes.
“The decision is not a cure but it is an ounce of prevention that could lead to a cure to the behavior that’s been taking the lives of Black women, girls and femmes.” - Rhanda Dormeus, mother of Korryn Gaines
Extend Tanisha’s Legacy to Shift from Policing to Caring
We thank the local community organizers, Tanisha’s family, and the #SayHerName Mothers Network for providing us with a blueprint to organize against racist and sexist police violence across the country. AAPF celebrates the passage of Tanisha’s Law and will continue to uplift the names of those lost until "support" truly means a hand of help, not a knee on the back. We urge that every city extend Tanisha’s legacy by enacting similar laws.
“It was through hard work and dedication that made this possible. To show up for your family in the face of grief, let alone advocating for this piece of legislation, should not be taken lightly. I am forever grateful to Tanisha's family for ushering in this monumental moment.” - Debra Shirley, mother of Michelle Shirley
“Mental health is real and it’s very important that it is recognized, especially within law enforcement. Let’s make sure Tanisha’s Law is adhered to, not just in Cleveland, but all around the world.” - Shante Needham, sister of Sandra Bland
TODAY’S PRACTICE
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