Threatened By Blackness: Rev. Barber Condemns Attorney's 'Black Pastors' Remarks

Rachel Maddow shares highlights of a op-ed in the Washington Post by Rev. Dr. William Barber in response to a defense attorney in the trial for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery arguing that "Black pastors" are intimidating to the mostly white jury hearing the case.

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#MSNBC #AhmaudArbery #BlackPastors

[dannmarceau]

That attorney is painting a bigger picture; he feels threatened by all the blackness in the courtroom.

[t.k.]

I too am threatened by the increasing "blackness" in society. The blackness in the hearts of so many of the elected politicians, the blackness in the hearts of their voters, the blackness in hearts of those who would defend such arguments and views.

[beckybowen]

This lawyer's statement and argument is a perfect example of systemic racism. Do you think he realizes this?

[ruthdepew]

I wonder if this lawyer will include the inherit intimidation of blackness in his closing arguments.

[elloco]

What is really unbelievable to the rest of the world is the simple fact that the defense attorney has still not been tossed into prison himself.

[theaminerva]

What I see & hear in this country every day is sickening!😑

[debherr]

Is he afraid anyone in the court could possibly take comfort from a pastor being in the court room?

[davidjeffreys]

Where are these black pastors/black men when these young black men are growing up?
Any person of authority could have told Arbery that he was heading down a hard road that was going to lead to trouble. Where were black pastors and their wisdom before this?

[dennishuffman]

What if you're pink or yellow skinned or green or purple, I could go through the whole rainbow of colours.

[johnstover]

If your case is threatened by the presence of a religious figure then you have a pretty weak case

[jimhen]

I was not surprised to hear that there was a wood pile involved.

[dennishuffman]

"Discrimination clearly exists but discrimination is against the laws". - George W.anker Bush

[rievans]

slavery is in our past but racial order is not-

[jayb]

The racial order slavery created in here and now.

[danboyd]

If your response to just the presence of someone is a gun, you're scared.

[jacksaloman]

Why don't yall use a different thumbnail

[kenster]

Yikes! Let's be clear here: Singling out pastors who are black is very illegal. That's equivalent to saying "female plumbers may not enter this courtroom", implying that male plumbers are welcome.

[chrislabonne]

Any juror who would be intimidated by a black pastor has no business being on that jury.

[ikudosen]

Malcolm X warned us about this but we would not listen.

[mrftjilisamhulu]

For those who stole: the Bible calls that for them to be acceptable before Jehovah God there has to be some restitution. The breach must be restored (the stole item must be returned to the owner) and the person must commit to never stealing ever again.