This is a list poem written to commemorate the lives lost that eventually led to the formation of the Black Lives Matter Movement. While this is not a long list, I think it understood that senseless suffering has happened and is continuing to happen. I think it obvious that there is a problem here that needs fixing. I want to remember all of the men and women that have been lost, even after the rioting is over.

Black Lives Matter

1. Amadou Diallou. 22 Years.
Erroneously accused of being armed in a train station.
Going about his daily life.
1999.

2. Ronald Madison. 40 Years.
Mentally disabled, unarmed, looking for supplies after hurricane Katrina.
Trying to survive with his family.
2005.

3. Remarley Graham. 18 Years.
Unwarranted police forced entry, unarmed.
Wide-eyed and confused.
2012.

4. Rekia Boyd. 22 Years.
Off-duty detective at random, unarmed, back of the head.
Hanging out with friends, playing basketball.
2012.

5. Eric Garner. 43 Years.
Illegal chokehold for selling cigarettes, unarmed.
Just trying to make a few bucks.
2013.

6. Laquan McDonald. 17 Years.
Supposed to be tased, shot 16 times, possibly carrying a knife.
Sixteen bullet wounds for a possible knife.
2013.

7. Ezell Ford. 25 Years.
Mentally ill, said to have complied with officers, unarmed.
Compliance doesn’t equal safety.
2014.

8. Natasha McKenna. 37 Years.
Mentally ill, stunned four times while cuffed and shackled, unarmed.
Imprisoned and confused and hurting.
2015.

9. Brenden Glenn. 29 Years.
Falsely accused of grabbing officer’s weapon, on ground, unarmed.
Face rubbing against black pavement.
2015.

10. Gregory Gunn. 58 Years.
Falsely accused of struggling upon officer approach, unarmed.
Tased 3 times, baton beaten, shot 5 times for being afraid.
2016.