# data[].attributes.body
Emmett Till is an African-American boy that was murdered by hatred and racism.
He did not mean to cause any trouble, he was simply existing, interacting with his environment like any normal kid. But if the white folks decided that he *was* whistling at a woman, then he was. If they decided that whistling is considered a crime, then it was.
Emmett Till was brutally beaten for false accusations and brutally murder for the colour of his skin. It was so incredibly upsetting that his mother decided to have an open casket, to let the world see the dangerous corruption and harmful power of white supremacy.

# data[].attributes.body
"Institutional racism, also known as systemic racism, is a form of racism that is embedded as normal practice within society or an organization. It can lead to such issues as discrimination in criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power, and education, among other issues." (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutional_racism
An example of this is shown when Jerome compared his neighbourhood, especially his school library, to Sarah's. Jerome described Sarah's neighbourhood as gated, safe while asking himself if he had been living in a danger zone all this time.

# data[].attributes.headline
We *do* need police officers. Just not any under a corrupt and racially bias system.

# data[].attributes.subject
We *do* need police officers. Just not any under a corrupt and racially bias system.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/police-brutality-cop-free-world-protest-199465/
For me, ACAB does not mean that all of the police officers are horrible human beings, but instead they are all under a system of racial bias and injustice.  I often hear people say "Cop-free world!" and while I get defunding police officers, I think their roles are needed to society. What we need is change, and that change should happen in education. Violence is inevitable, and there should always be armed forces ready to protect its citizens. Still, an education and excessive training is needed for one to become a police officer. The police department should be filled with fair-minded and determined police officers that wants to protect citizens regardless of their identities, instead of completely rule out police officers as an important role.

# data[].attributes.body
In the book, Jerome compared his neighbourhood to Sarah's. How his school was mostly African-Americans and Hispanics while Sarah's was mostly white. How Sarah's community was gated and how Jerome's neighbourhood was a dangerous and under-supplied school. In On My Block, there was a somewhat similar situation. The main characters' neighbourhood in Freeridge was packed with mostly Hispanics, Latinx, and African-Americans. There are gangs and often fights in their streets. On the other hand, Monse's mother left her assuming because she's black to another neighbourhood. The neighbourhood Julia moved to is much more gated, students were mostly white (shown by Monse's new friends), and it was clearly safer.

# data[].attributes.body
With advanced technology today, we are fortunate to have easy access to entertainment and media. I'm glad that people are taking advantage of that to spread awareness to topics that aren't usually discussed. Because most of us are constantly on our phones, articles about BLM are easily spread, and topics that could be uncomfy to discuss about in real life are easier to talk about online. Not only does this encourage conversations about racial injustice, but help make a change. Shows like The Umbrella Academy, featuring a black main character going through discrimination with her husband in the Civil Rights era. Books like Ghost Boys and The Hate U Give also gives perspectives and educate readers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Born As Ghosts - Rage Against the Machine.

# data[].attributes.subject
Born As Ghosts - Rage Against the Machine.

# data[].attributes.body
This song reminds me of the book Ghost Boys. No, the song does not tackle racial injustice issues, but it does talk about poverty and systemic unfairness & problems.

# data[].attributes.body
There are a lot of references in the story of Peter Pan. But one that stood out to me the most is how the Lost Boys are forever stuck in the age they're in, just like the Ghost Boys. Neither grow up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Woman Linked to 1955 Emmett Till Murder Tells Historian Her Claims Were False (Published 2017)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Carolyn Bryant Donham is quoted in a new book as admitting her long-ago allegations that Emmett grabbed her and was menacing and sexually crude toward her, “is not true.”

# data[].attributes.body
The Book of Life is a 2014 movie about a bullfighter who embarks on a journey of the afterlife for the people he loves on the Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated by people with Mexican heritage all over the globe. It is a day of celebration, instead of mourning because Mexican culture believe that to celebrate is to help their loved ones with the spiritual path, as death is just another part of the life cycle.
Connection: In the book, a Hispanic boy from Texas named Carlos undertook a journey of his own, friendship and guilt, as well as grief. Carlos was Jerome's first and only friend, also the one to provide Jerome with the fake gun. This lead to tremendous guilt on Carlos, believing that it was his fault that Jerome has pass away. With the help of his dad, Carlos promised to honour Jerome on the Day of the Dead.

# data[].attributes.body
The Civil Rights Movement is a movement for African Americans to gain equal rights under the law in the United States. The movement began in 1940s (some believe it began with Emmett Till) and ended in 1960s. They were mostly peaceful protests, to fight for equality and justice. Although slavery was abolished in 1860s after the Civil War, discrimination and unfair laws still existed, preventing African Americans to be treated fairly and have equal rights.

# data[].attributes.body
These sugar skulls are an important part of Mexican culture when celebrating Day of The Dead. It represents the lives that departed from the living, onto the afterlife.
Carlos can be seen decorating Jerome's headstone, as a way of honour and respect.
Like everything else in Día de Muertos, these skulls are extremely colourful and even sparkly in some cases. The Day of The Dead is not only a mourning day for our loved ones, but also a celebration. We celebrate our loved ones departure into the afterlife, we tells stories and remember their impact on our lives. It's a day of honour, a day of love, and a day when we keep in mind that although they may be gone, they'll always be remembered in our hearts.

# data[].attributes.body
Each of the ghost boys have someone that could see them. Someone that believes in change, in hope, and in equal rights for all. They appear for those people to make change. They appear to make sure there will be a day where the skin colour of someone does not paint a negative picture. They will not find peace until justice is served. They will not find peace until peace finds them.
I love the ending. It was horrible, but it was everything I expected. Jerome found peace at the end, but Mr. Moore is still not charged for his crimes. That is exactly why it was horrible, because it is realistic to today’s situations. It was heavy and emotionally, but peaceful. I hope this book empowers people to educate themselves and speak up for equal rights and get rid of racial bias once and for all.

# data[].attributes.body
Jewell Parker Rhodes is an American best-selling novelist and educator. She was raised in Manchester, and was a passionate reader. Rhodes first entered college as a dance major, but switches when she discovers African-American literature. She has since then wrote books that tackles serious issues for children as well as adults, including Ghost Boys, Towers Falling, and Black Brother, Black Brother.

# data[].attributes.body
“Only the living can make the world better. Live and make it better" (Rhodes).”
― Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ghost Boys

“Can't undo wrong. Can only do our best to make things right.”
― Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ghost Boys
“I’ve got troubles but I don’t get in trouble.”
― Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ghost Boys.
“Ghost boys….are trying to change the world” ― Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ghost Boys.
“Everyone needs their story heard.  Felt.  We honor each other.  Connect across time.” ― Jewell Parker Rhodes, Ghost Boys.