As police release bodycam footage of officers brutally beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in Memphis, many people on social media are choosing not to watch the graphic images.
Instead of watching the brutal beating, some are sharing heartwarming clips of Nichols enjoying his favorite hobbies, including skateboarding.
At Blavity, we are choosing not to publish the video on our platforms and encourage our readers and followers to do what is best for them. After years of watching police violence play out on our screens, it is up to you to decide if it is necessary to view footage like this again.
Knowing what happened to Tyre Nichols should be enough.
The only video of him that you should watch should be one where you can remember him as the person he was before the police stole his life. pic.twitter.com/9FZFp7zfMa
— Riley (@RileyInOmaha) January 28, 2023
Despite the disturbing circumstances, people are finding in solace in seeing the pleasant memories of Nichols.
I’m not sharing or watching the video of Tyre Nichols having his life stolen. This is how we should remember him — as someone who was loved and who mattered.
He should be alive and the work must never stop to ensure more lives aren’t brutally taken. pic.twitter.com/1JK1ZiLgJr
— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) January 28, 2023
I liked the idea of giving this video of Tyre Nichols prominence over the video of his murder by the racist state. Here he is, alive and happy, as he should have remained: pic.twitter.com/4WbFk9mBrR
— 💭 (@samthielman) January 27, 2023
For those who are not sharing the graphic video, Nichols’ beloved smile will be the lasting image.
Not sharing the video. Instead, sharing this human being’s beautiful smile.
Tyre Nichols. pic.twitter.com/8EihLATRYL
— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton (@LtGovStratton) January 28, 2023
People are also reminding the world that Nichols, a father of a 4-year-old son, loved to photograph sunsets.
Tyre Nichols, 29, was a dad to a 4-year-old son. He loved to photograph sunsets and skateboard, a passion he’s had since he was a little boy.
If you want to share a video, share this one. It’s how his family wants him to be remembered. 🌅 pic.twitter.com/8T5q7gw6LK
— shafina (@shafinakhabani) January 27, 2023
Research shows that Black folks suffer PTSD from watching videos of Blacks being killed by police.
It’s a phenomenon called “linked fate”, where we see ourselves and loved ones in the place of the victim.
Be careful watching the Tyre Nichols murder video. Protect your mind.
— Jason Nichols (@drjasonnichols) January 26, 2023
Some disagree with the decision to release the video to the public.
I don't understand why it's released to the public rather than held for the courtroom. It's traumatizing.
— Morgan Lau (@MorganCreates) January 27, 2023
Reliving your loved ones murder again and again on National tv is awful. And for families with young black men it must be traumatizing.
— Mary Ann Jacob (@Mary_AnnJacob) January 27, 2023
As Blavity previously reported, five Black officers brutally beat Nichols after a traffic stop on Jan. 7, resulting in his death three days later. They have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
