Photos of Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Botham Jean and Michael Brown were found hanging from nooses in Milwaukee’s Riverside Park, according to KCRA.
On Saturday (June 20), the photos, which were laminated and included each victim’s name and the story of their deaths, were taken down by members of the Original Black Panthers of Milwaukee.
“Historically, African-Americans have been hung and lynched,” activist King Rick said. “I don’t care what anybody says, they can justify it all they want to. It was disrespectful not only to the memories of these individuals — our beloved individuals — but also to the African-American community, so I’m not hearing it.”
Four of the victims, Garner, Taylor, Jean and Brown, were killed at the hands of police officers. It’s not clear who hung the photos and what their motive was. Police are investigating the incident and have asked anyone with information to contact Milwaukee County Dispatch at (414) 278-4788.
Recently, Black men have been found hanging from nooses across the country. On June 9, 27-year-old Dominique Alexander was found hanging in Manhattan’s Fort Tyron Park. The city’s medical examiner confirmed on June 16 that the Bronx native’s cause of death was ruled a suicide.
“We are just trying to grieve,” Alexander’s brother told the New York Daily News. “He was definitely loved by his family and his community. It’s just so much.”
On June 10, 24-year-old Robert Fuller was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California. “Words can’t describe how much my family is hurting right now,” Diamond Alexander, his older sister, captioned a photo of Fuller on June 11. “Today we just got word that Robert’s body was found hanging in a tree out in Palmdale. It’s still under investigation. If anyone seen anything please come forward. Brother you will forever be in our heart. RIP.”