2018 was an unprecedented year.
And while there were many highs for black women, it also showcased several examples of the continued fight for justice for black women.
Here are ten incidents that highlight the fact that Black women remained among the most unprotected, neglected and disrespected in 2018:
1) Chenell Rowe
In March, Chenell “Jazzy” Rowe, a victim of poisoning by body fluid, was denied justice by Hartford Superior Court in favor of granting her assailant Brianna Brochu “accelerated rehabilitation.” You read right. This nasty lil’ white girl received a slap on the wrist for tainting Rowe’s personal belongings and grooming products with period blood, feces, saliva and spoiled food, while the two shared a college dorm room. Rowe became aware of the violation when Brochu incriminated herself on an Instagram post. Rowe became violently ill some weeks later. She also spoke exclusively to Blavity after Brochu was sentenced on how she has yet to receive justice.
2) Chikesia Clemmons
Chikesia Clemmons was assaulted by two white cops in an Alabama Waffle House in April after an employee called authorities over a dispute about eating utensils. When the officers arrived, they wrongfully arrested Clemmons and manhandled her to ground, choking her neck, twisting her arm and exposing her breasts. She was later charged and subsequently found guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
3) Valerie Jarrett
Valerie Jarrett, who served former-President Barack Obama’s senior advisor, was verbally attacked by Roseanne in a random May 28 tweet, calling her the offspring of “muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes.” The washed up comedienne later apologized but it didn't do much: ABC gave her the boot and cancelled her newly-revived sitcom, Roseanne.
4) April Ryan
April Ryan has been under fire a few times in 2018. She’s been a target of President Trump's vitriolic comments on several occasions. He has yelled at her during a press conference, calling her a "loser" and "nasty." All this for asking tough questions of someone who seems hardly smarter than a fifth grader.
5) Dr. Tamara O'Neal
This is the face of the amazing emergency physician Dr Tamara ONeal, at work today, before she was murdered.
Tonight, hold her, her family, & our colleagues at #MercyHospital #UIC in your hearts.
And tomorrow, pledge to fight for women like her. Because #ThisIsOurLane. #Enough pic.twitter.com/8xUytYnDrc— Megan Ranney MD MPH (@meganranney) November 20, 2018
While at work, Dr. Tamara O’Neal was gunned down by a disgruntled ex in November who caused mayhem at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital. After shooting her multiple times, the gunman shot randomly, killing two others and was later found dead with a gunshot to the head.
6) Aisha Fraser
Aisha Fraser endured years of abuse at the hands of her former husband, long before he killed her in front of their two young children. The former judge stabbed her to death in the driveway of his home when she dropped the children for a visit.
I’ll be on @MSNBC speaking with @davidgura at 2 pm EST from super sunny Helsinki, Finland. Tune in. pic.twitter.com/21sWMy6IPV— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) July 15, 2018
7) Yamiche Alcindor
Yamiche Alcindor was among journalists April Ryan and Abby Phillips who were demeaned by President Trump at a White House press conference in November. The chief fraud lashed out at Alcindor when she questioned him about his reference to himself as a “nationalist,” of all of things. Instead of cleaning up his statement, he accused her of asking a racist question.
8) Jemele Hill
ESPN and sports anchor Jemele Hill parted ways in September after a series of “violations.” Hill had been under national scrutiny for sometime, for calling out men like Trump and Jerry Jones, the NFL as well as for her support of Colin Kaepernick.
9) LaShonda Childs
LaShonda Childs was murdered days shy of turning 18 years-old, by her 28-year-old former boyfriend who allegedly lied about his age. Childs shared her history of abuse on social media. The teen made several attempts to break up with her ex. She even filed a restraining order; none of which was successful in preventing her death.
10) Serena Williams
Our beloved Serena Williams is by far one of the most bullied Black woman in media. This year alone proved that degree. She has been trolled relentlessly for her stunning features, interracial marriage, style and — wait for it — advocating for herself. Reportedly, Williams was drug-tested five times more than other athletes in her sport. Despite being worn to prevent blood clots (which the star athlete suffered after giving birth, and nearly died from), the catsuit she donned during the French Open was banned. During the U.S. Open, the tennis great was unfairly penalized by a petty umpire for several “violations,” and when Williams defended herself and advocated her legacy, she was accused of throwing a tantrum and being a sore loser. A white cartoonist created a vile caricature of Williams depicting her an angry Black woman. And ironically, as a trash crowd booed Naomi Osaka for winning the World Cup, she silenced them — and rescued her young Black opponent from their virulence. Her action was indicative of Black women having each other’s back. Reflective of the spaces we occupy, sometimes we all we got — each other.
