bob marley’s granddaughter profiled for #airbnbwhileblack shows that respectability politics are bullsh*t

Wow, it’s only Wednesday and this week’s news cycle is already packed with stories from black people all across the country having the police called on them by white people who are uncomfortable slash nervous about blacks existing in public. This time, though, police and white neighbors pay have messed with the wrong one. One of Bob Marley’s grandchildren, Donisha Prendergast, and her friends were detained by police while checking out of their Airbnb. A neighbor saw the group leaving the home with luggage and called the police. Within minutes, Prendergast and friends were blocked in by police vehicles for 22 minutes until they confirmed their story and decided to let them go.

There are several videos of the interactions, including a recently released body cam video. The neighbor who called the police didn’t appear on camera but she claims race has nothing to do with it.

Be Love. So much things to say right now…. Got surrounded by the police for being black in a white neighbourhood. Smh. I’m sad and irritated to see that fear is still the first place police officers go in their pursuit to serve and protect, to the point that protocol supersedes their ability to have discernment. Many have suffered and died in moments like these. That’s a crazy reality check. Give Thanks for life, and the ability to stand our ground. We are stronger together. Use your voice collectively. #unafraid #mightcannotdefeatright #wewillrizetogether #buildcomeunity #strongertogether #useyourvoice #eachoneteach We have a right to be right. @iamdonisha @directedbykells @ahutchphoto @komiolaf

A post shared by Donisha Prendergast (@iamdonisha) on Apr 30, 2018 at 4:17pm PDT