Marginalized, voiceless, and lives not taken seriously is the sentiment many sexual assault victims go through after being physically violated. African-American women historically have been preyed upon by men in power and their bodies used as inferior objects to demonstrate the ultimate lack of respect. In December 2015, the horrific story of thirteen African-American women in Oklahoma City being sexually assaulted by a White police officer came to light. The story barely made national headline news and through the voice of minority outlets remained alive. Their story is one that resonates throughout the United States and shows the intersectionality that women of color endure.
The thirteen women accused former police officer Daniel Holtzclaw of rape, sexual assault, as well as stalking. To accuse someone in charge of upholding the law of these heinous crimes is a daunting task and the ultimate sign of bravery. All of these women fit a profile that Holtzclaw preyed upon and used to his advantage in order to intimidate and sexually violate. Many of the victims were low-income with criminal records and assumed they would not be believed if they reported the crime, with the exception of one 17-year-old victim who was discouraged from reporting the attack. The women held secrets such as being drug addicts, had outstanding warrants, and tickets. Holtzclaw felt he could do as he pleased since these were Black women with mainly troubled past.
It is amazing that this story barely made a dent in our social conscious and the media discounted this story as to barely report on this travesty. If the event were of White women being sexually assaulted and degraded by a police officer, there is no way the reporting would be silenced to barely a mention. African-American women continue to deal with underreported sexual assaults by those in power and continue to be at the very bottom of the human rights chain. Racism, sexism, and classism all come into play and demonstrates at every angle that African-American women are not consciously or socially respected. This constant reinforcement of depreciated value has a subconscious effect which is why we have to constantly implement campaigns that show the worth and power of African-American women.
In the end, an all White jury of eight men and four women ultimately found Daniel Holtzclaw guilty of the crimes of sexual assault and rape. The thirteen courageous women, who stood up for self-respect and justice, prevailed when it appeared no one cared and they would be discounted. They found the strength and fortitude to demand justice to ensure their voices were heard. These women are the sheer essence of enduring, resilient American citizens.
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