Today, my article about Azaan Lee, who turned up dead after an encounter with Rantoul police a week ago, was published by Smile Politely. I drove out to Rantoul to attend the balloon launch for Azaan, it was an emotional moment. I met Azaan’s father, Bishop Lee, who was deep in his feelings. I was the only reporter at the balloon launch, there were no local media outlets there. It was a reminder of how, even in the midst of national protests, Black lives still don’t matter. Azaan’s father was grateful that people showed up, that somebody cared.
I felt out of place when I got to the balloon launch, I was the only white person there. As the crowd assembled, Azaan’s father introduced me, “This is Brian, he is not the police,” to nervous laughter from the folks there. “He is our Caucasian brother,” he said.
People gave their testimony, and the balloons were let go. Then individuals came up to me one-by-one and told me their heartfelt stories about Azaan—a friend who rode with him in a car that night, a former girlfriend, an aunt. I couldn’t share all of their stories, because some of the information about the incident is still being confirmed. But they all expressed the need for an explanation of why their friend is no longer here.
Exclusive to Sentences, I’m including the raw audio interview with Allison Anderson who was quoted in my article. In less than three minutes she explains the situation:
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Thanks for covering this sad event. I agree, we need more answers and bodycam footage would be a good place to start.