By Gloria DULAN-Wilson
Hello All:
On March 6, 2023 tragic death of Irvo Otieno (oh-tee-in-oh) at the hands of those who were supposed to protect and serve him took place. The images shocked the world. His homegoing ceremony took place on March 29, 2023 in Virginia. Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton spoke at the services, and is actively working with Attorney Ben Crump to bring justice to yet another tragedy. As of the posting of this article, it appears there are 10 people who are in custody for their participation that snatched this young brother from us.
First, however, please note that Mr. Otieno was originally from Kenya, East Africa. He came to America with his parents for a better life. He may have experienced some psychological challenges during his quest for a better life, which required his being given professional assistance - but certainly not the kind of brute force mistreatment - abuse of power - mob mentality - that snuffed out his life.
Upon first hearing of this brother's death, I knew from his name that he was Kenyan. I attended college with so many brothers from the same region he came from, and I knew that it had to be overkill - because our Kenyan brothers and sisters generally are positive, peaceful, and generally work together to make things better in their community, and for those with whom they interact. I immediately sent up a prayer to his family:
"Usikate tamaa - Mungu Itakubariti, sasa." Which means, in my rough Swahili means "Do not despair, God will bless you now." And then later learn that the Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Benjamin Crump will be working with his mother, Ms. Caroline Ouko (Oh-oo-koh), who is bravely trying to comprehend how so many things could have turned out so tragically in a country where they had come to realize their dreams.
Black Women For Positive Change, an African
American Women's proactive organization, recently sent a letter of
support of Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D/WI) De-escalation Bill H.R. 4324,
which she originally introduced in 2018. It is apparent now, more than
ever before, the kinds of training and protocols must be put in place
to prevent and mitigate any future recurrences. The difference between
criminal law enforcement and de-escalation of disturbed individuals,
who are seen through the lenses of race, ethnicity, economy and
geographics, has literally become a matter of life and death. So, as
the Rev. Al and Attorney Crump begin the arduous road to just for
another victim, we also have our role to play in making sure the
De-escalation bill is passed, that when an individual in or family or
community appears to be suffering from psychotic stress, call social
service agencies before you call the police - or call them
simultaneously, with the understanding that the issue is a mental
situation, not a criminal one. Also, if you do have a family member or
friend who is suffering from mental illness, don't sit in denial - help
them get the treatment and therapy they need. NAMI - the National
Alliance on Mental Illness, has thousands of non-stereotypical resources
to help you and your loved one or family member through these
challenges. Rather than allowing it to progress to crises mode, first
you pray for them, then you get them the right help and treatment so
that these abuse of power scenarios no longer occur. Anyone can have a
stressed day - it should not lead to the loss of their life at the hands
of miscreants.
Right now, we must hold this family in prayer.
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| Gloria DULAN-Wilson |
From: BLACK VIRGINIA NEWS <blackvirginianews@substack.com>
All photos HENRICO, VA — The funeral of Irvo Otieno took place yesterday at First Baptist Church in Chesterfield yesterday. Otieno died in police custody on March 6 as he was being moved from The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Dinwiddie County, headed by Ann Baskervill, has charged ten people in Otieno’s death, including sheriff’s deputies and hospital employees at Central State Hospital, a state-run mental health hospital in Petersburg. The Otieno family has hired two attorneys: Mark Krudys and Ben Crump. A multi-million dollar wrongful death lawsuit is all but certain to follow.
“We can develop mental health courts where they will be treated like they have illness and not like they are criminals and degenerates not worthy of dignity and respect,” attorney Ben Crump said at Otieno’s funeral during his remarks.
A video of of Governor Youngkin’s remarks last week on Irvo Otieno’s death: 
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by Paulette Shipman-Singleton 
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