𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈

𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

I parked my car, Isis and I both got out, and the sound of people chanting filled the air. "No justice, no peace, no racist police" echoed through the streets, repeated over and over again.

   Protesters held up signs, lifting them high in the air. As we joined the protest, I noticed police officers surrounding the area, their guns holstered but visible. 

   The chanting of "No justice, no peace" grew louder, with more people arriving from all directions. Flyers with Gemini's face were being handed out, and when I saw one, my eyes welled up. Those eyes always got to me.

   Suddenly, a black man shouted in front of an officer, "This is ridiculous! Who's going to protect us? No one! One day we're smiling, the next day we're dead!" The tension was escalating quickly, with multiple people standing up to the officers, protesting. I knew I had to act fast.

"Isis, go to Mama Rose" I instructed, spotting her in the corner of my eye. She was holding a sign that read "Justice for my baby" with a picture of Gemini. My heart almost broke. Isis nodded and headed over to Mama Rose.

   As I looked around, I realized this was not a peaceful protest. It was a chaotic one. 

    I scanned the crowd, searching for a microphone. Spotting a man with one, I asked if I could use it, and he handed it over.

   I grasped the megaphone, trying to navigate through all the people. There were so many out-showing support for Gemini.

   I positioned myself in a clear street, raised the megaphone, and shouted, "Everyone, stop!" My voice echoed through the air, and people turned to look at me.

  "I am Solem, Solem Henderson" I spoke into the microphone, my voice a little hesitant. But in the back of my mind, all I could hear was my daddy telling me to use my voice. 

   "I understand your frustration; I'm frustrated too. I'm mad, I'm angry. Gemini was my best friend. A cop took away my best friend. A cop shot and killed my best friend right in front of me, out in a parking lot. Now, I ask you, what kind of monster would do that?" I yelled into the microphone, people shook their heads in shame and disbelief.

    "The same kind of monster who's supposed to protect and serve, but instead pulls the trigger without a thought. Are these the officers we're supposed to look up to? They say we're equal, but no, we're not. This is not what equality looks like. Gemini had goals, just like any other young black boy! But the police took that away from him." I spoke, struggling to manage my tears as they fell.

"It's okay, Solem, you got this" I heard a voice call out. I looked up and saw my dad, his hands cupped around his mouth. I smiled through my tears as I continued. "He was taken away from his brother, his grandma, and me. My family loved Gemini, and now we can't get him back. How many times must we go through this? How many times will we have to stand and protest because another life has been taken? We deserve better. Martin said, we should not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character. So I ask you all today to join me as I raise my fist in solidarity." I held my fist up in the air.

"Gemini was!" I declared as everyone else raised their fists in the air. "Gemini was a son, a brother, a friend, he was the future" I continued, and the crowd echoed after me.

   "And his name will not be forgotten, justice for Gemini!" I yelled, and the chant grew louder as everyone joined in. "Yeah, justice for my baby!" Mama Rose cried out, and I smiled over at her.

    The protest intensified, shots rang out, and I quickly scanned the scene, my heart racing. I saw my dad motioning for me to come over.  I knew it was time to leave.

   I made my way through the crowd, my eyes on my Dad, as he pulled me into a tight embrace Isis right next to him. "Let's go, now"  I nodded, knowing we had to get out of here.

   As we pushed through the crowd, we made our way towards my dad's car. "Wait, Daddy, my car!" I said, remembering that I had driven here. "Damn go! be safe"  he replied. He kissed me on the forehead, and then he and Isis quickly got into the car.

   There were people all around as I made my way to my car and got in. Buckling up and starting the engine, I tried to move through the crowd. people were everywhere, but I managed to find a way through, trying my best not to run anyone over.