The instance that I caught wind of the Korryn Gaines story, I became sick to my stomach. A black woman a year younger than myself was dead, her young child was shot by the police & many of the initial details didn't sit well with me. (Many contradictions.)

Almost instantly, people began questioning Korryn's mental health and wondering what type of mother would put her children in that situation. I'm a mother of a young child as well, and couldn't imagine putting my son in any type of danger. But as everyone prematurely jumped to conclusions, the thought that continuously circulated within my head was that the only accounts of this incident that were provided with are the police's, who we've come to recognize are undertrained and prepared to lie on a whim.

As time passed, videos and other telling information from Korryn's social media accounts were discovered, which revealed some unsettling truths about the events leading up to her murder.

- Korryn reportedly suffered a miscarriage while in police custody

- Korryn revealed that she was in the process of suing the government

- Korryn stated that her license plates had been stolen

- After being released, Korryn's paperwork with important medical release forms and court documentation were not returned with her personal belongings

- Korryn attempted to retrieve the missing paperwork and was given the runaround

- Korryn was refused contact with police superiors multiple times

- Korryn Gaines was not crazy. Korryn Gaines was awake and extremely aware

We've been operating in a society that has instilled a sense of obedience within us, whether the commands we are to obey are right or wrong. We've been moving in this manner for so long that people aren't familiar with revolts. The revolution is long over due because it has come to the point where authority figures have us held down beneath their thumbs and have constantly gotten away with beatings, murders and unjust incarcerations. People's rights are constantly violated and many times it's been because they're unaware of the laws put in place to protect them. So, it would make sense for the majority of you to look at what happened to Korryn Gaines and call her crazy.

They claim ignorance is bliss but what it really is is imprisonment of the mind which in turn leads to enslavement of the body. People don't know them, so they're allowing police officers to violate their rights. Police officers aren't used to knowledgeable civilians, so when their authority is challenged and questioned, they become hostile. Police officers target men, women and children of color so when they encounter one who knows their rights and is firm in being treated justly, it upsets them even more. They become enraged. They feel embarrassed.

The story of Korryn Gaines is eerily similar to the story of Sandra Bland: young, intelligent Black women who adamantly spoke out against the mistreatment of our people. They knew her rights, demanded to be treated as deserved and didn't submit to being treated less than. They were targeted and ultimately ended up dead. Sandra Bland's case is still under investigation and for obvious reasons.

Before you call Korryn Gaines crazy and irresponsible, think about a few things. Think about why people fear a group of individuals who took an oath to "protect and serve." Think about why people knowingly allow their rights to be violated by the police. Think about what happens to those individuals who don't allow their rights to be violated.

If your thoughts haven't brought you to the conclusion that we've been living within a revised Jim Crow era, think about how unaware you possibly are. Think about the possibility of you being in denial.

It's right there in the open, available for everyone to recognize. All you have to do is look and see.

Rest In Power, Korryn Gaines.