One Year Reflection

Tanisha Corporal, our Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, reflects on the death of Rayshard Brooks.

“This week we remember the tragic death of Rayshard Brooks. The incident was particularly poignant because of its proximity to my personal and professional life. While the national news is full of body cam and cell phone footage of the many horrific acts committed against black people in this country, it was dispiriting to experience this in my backyard. The Wendy’s where this incident occurred is halfway between my home in South Atlanta and my office at Emmaus House. My black son frequented that location for dinner on many Saturday nights. We have sat in that very drive-through, waiting to receive our food. It was a part of the fabric of our community. That summer weekend changed our neighborhood forever. The fire of injustice was ablaze in our neighborhood, both literally and figuratively. Like most wildfires, these tragedies scorch the foundations of equality and justice. It compromises the integrity of freedom and liberty in this county. However, times like these strengthen our resolve and that of those affected by injustice and inequity. We must continue to hold onto the humanity of our people and the hope for our community.”

—Tanisha Corporal,
Director of Community Engagement and Strategic Initiatives