WOMANISM
One Thing to Remember As We Fight to Bring Brittney Griner Home
Black Americans serving stiffer sentences for marijuana here
On February 17th, Russians arrested Brittney Griner, a WNBA star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, who won two Olympic gold medals, and charged her with possession of marijuana. At the time, Griner had a gram of "hash oil" prescribed for her use, which she mistakenly brought with her while traveling. In response, Griner pled guilty to violating the Russian statute to take responsibility for her actions and shared her thoughts in a video. Unfortunately, the Russian judge gave her a nine-year sentence to be carried out in a penal colony. This harsh, foreign environment would not allow her access to her wife, colleagues, family, and friends. After hearing the news about Griner's nine-year sentence, the outrage followed swiftly, like a wave crashing to shore. What happened to Brittney Griner was a tragedy rooted in racism and sexism. Allow me to explain.
Racism
Some Americans were surprised to learn someone could serve a nine-year sentence for possession of marijuana. Their shock and awe show they have no idea how long people can serve in America for the exact charges Griner is facing or how discriminatory the drug war has become. For instance…
