The Perils of Asking for Help While Black

We've seen too many cases like Renisha McBride's this year.

On Nov. 3, the 19-year-old Detroit resident was involved in a car accident. After knocking on the door of a home in Dearborn Heights, Mich. for help, McBride was shot in the head by someone in the residence.

You'll remember Jonathan Farrell, the unarmed man who was killed by North Carolina police officers in September in a scenario eerily similar to McBride's. He, too, sought help at someone's home after crashing his car into trees 15 miles from downtown Charlotte. When he knocked, the resident calls the cops. They shot Farrell 10 times. 

There's also Jack Lamar Roberson, who was shot and killed by police after his fiance called 911 for medical help for him, as his family said he was experiencing an episode brought on by his diabetes medication. Officers shot him once they arrived, saying Roberson approached them aggressively.  

Sadly, this is nothing new. I shared the story of Rubin Stacy, who met a similar fate in 1935:

We asked our followers at @TheRoot247 to share their #askingforhelpwhileblack experiences:

Not shockingly, some said they avoid asking for help at all costs:

Others shared the precautions they take should they find themselves #askingforhelpwhileblack:

What do you make of all of this? Continue to use the hashtag to share your stories and opinions.

Akoto Ofori-Atta is the editor of The Grapevine. Like her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter.

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If you want to see what's hot on black Twitter, check out The Chatterati.Akoto Ofori-Atta is the editor of The Grapevine. Like her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter.