Bring It On! – May 20, 2019

Bring It On! contributors and Associate Professors Amrita Myers and Jacinda Townsend speak about the history of police forces in the United States, in the light of the latest release of footage from Sandra Bland’s arrest.

Bland was a 28 year-old African-American woman who was found hanged in a jail cell in Waller Co, TX, on July 13, 2015, three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. Her death was ruled a suicide. It was followed by protests against her arrest, disputing the cause of death, and alleging racial violence against her.

Bland was pulled over for a traffic violation earlier, on July 10 by State Trooper Brian Encinia. The exchange escalated, resulting in Bland’s arrest and charge for assaulting a police officer. The arrest was partially recorded by Encinia’s dashcam, by a bystander’s cell phone, and Bland’s own cell phone.

After authorities reviewed the dashcam footage, Encinia was placed on administrative leave for failing to follow proper traffic stop procedures.

CREDITS:
Our show’s producer is Clarence Boone.
Executive Producer is WFHB News Department Director Wes Martin, who engineered tonight’s show.
Our original theme music was created by Jamyl Efiom.
With additional background tracks by David Baker.
Our Hosts are Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell.
Special thanks to guests Dr. Amrita Myers and Dr. Jacinda Townsend.