For the Black community, what happened to Karmelo Anthony has caused a paradigm shift in our collective consciousness. Conversations around jury duty, who we “invite to the cookout” and self-defense have all come up. Nineteen-year-old Karmelo was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. However, as well all know, there is more to this story and much to unpack.
In my opinion, due to an unjust system, Karmelo was unfairly sentenced to 35 years in prison after acting in self-defense. The jury deliberated for three hours and had an option to convict on a lesser charges, but they chose the harsher route. Unfortunately, this is common with the criminal justice system. Specifically, Black people in America, being at the harmful end of state, sanctioned violence. This shows up when the government uses their system, which is recognized as law, to carry out White supremacy. You see this with the way criminal charges and sentences are given out and in the prison system.
As a Black woman and longtime community organizer for social justice and Black liberation, I have seen firsthand how the system has harmed the Black community. From death to jail as well as bearing the weight of advocating for a loved one. Families are separated and Black people endure inhumane treatment in jails and prisons. Similar to the trauma we dealt with during enslavement, Jim Crow and the civil rights movement. This case with Karmelo is no different.
Since he was 17 at the time of the incident, in the state of Texas he can be charged as an adult. This is a state where Black people are imprisoned in high numbers, especially youth, and often face disparities with sentencing. In 2023 in the Texas area of Denton County, 17-year-old Alec Adamson was sentenced to four years in prison, after killing 19-year-old David Pleasant. Alec was White and David, Black. So, let’s be clear— this case never turned out to be an issue of race, it’s ALWAYS been about race! Karmelo invoked his inherit right to self-defense. Something that this country has always considered to be a crime if you are Black. As collective conversations continue around this, the role of race needs to be recognized.
Moreover, national cases like Karmelo’s often radicalize people. As people become more conscious, it’s important to not forget community care centered in accountability and care.
Recognize that Karmelo’s case is connected to broader issues of systematic racism. Continue to push for change and call out ALL examples of racial injustice. There are a lot of Karmelos, who have dealt with similar situations, in your own community. In addition, send Karmelo and others imprisoned unjustly letters, books and support their families. They will need a village around them. Specifically, with attorneys and just dealing with life i.e. bills, etc. When this occurs, families are thrown into the spotlight and often face heavy criticism and social media analysis rooted in anti-blackness. They are not organizers and are often overwhelmed while grieving a traumatic loss. Give them grace and support. Also, support the local organizations on the ground and follow them at FreeKarmelo.net. Answer their calls to action and remember Karmelo is more than a hashtag! Use social media to control the narrative. Karmelo is a scholar, captain of both the football and track teams and held part-time jobs. His family has communicated that he is remorseful about what occurred. Put out that narrative and highlight the various ways racism has shown up throughout this case. Continue to resist!
