Earlier this month, a jury in Minnesota decided that Jeronimo Yanez was not guilty of murdering Philando Castile—even though there was video evidence that he did just that. Instead, they decided to let a killer go free, knowing that in an exchange that lasted only 64 seconds, he ended Castile’s life, without regard for Castile or the safety of his girlfriend and her child who were in the car with him. Since black lives are nothing short of disposable in this country and this message gets reinforced over and over again, racists all over no doubt, rejoiced in this verdict. But in yet another maddening and frustrating decision in this case, a recent announcement was made that the family of Philando Castile will be paid nearly $3 million in a settlement for his death.
The settlement to be paid to Valerie Castile [Philando Castile’s mother], who is the trustee for her family in the case, will avoid a federal wrongful death lawsuit stemming from Philando Castile's death. [...]
The $2.995 million settlement will be paid by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, which holds the insurance policy for the city of St. Anthony. The plan for distribution of funds requires approval by a state court, which could take several weeks. The statement from the city and Castile's attorneys says no taxpayer money will be used to fund the settlement.
How much exactly is a black life worth, anyway? Since juries have decided that killer police officers get to go free after shooting into cars full of black people, even after they tell the officer that they are lawfully carrying firearms and do nothing wrong, is $3 million the going rate for taking our lives? Is this the price for assuaging the guilt of the mainly white jury and the police department and the city of St. Anthony that employed Jeronimo Yanez?
"No amount of money could ever replace Philando," the joint statement said. "With resolution of the claims the family will continue to deal with their loss through the important work of the Philando Castile Relief Foundation."
Bennett said the foundation's mission is to provide financial support, grief counseling, scholarships and other help to individuals and families affected by gun violence and police violence.
Is $3 million enough to soothe the trauma of Philando’s family? Or Diamond Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter, who no doubt will need therapy for the rest of their lives to make sense of witnessing their loved one brutally murdered just inches from them last summer? Is it enough to erase the image of Philando dying from our collective consciousness? Is any amount of money enough to help black people in this country begin to feel safe around police officers—especially when we see how their racism and unjustified fear and paranoia of us routinely takes our lives and is done so without consequence, completely sanctioned by juries even when there is audio and video proof.
It is important that the family will use this money to do good work on behalf of Philando Castile in working with families impacted by gun violence. That work is much needed in our country. But let’s not lose site of the fact that Philando Castile should still be alive today. After centuries of anti-blackness built into the very fabric of America, systematic abuse, death and oppression of black people, $3 million feels like chump change.