Introduction
In the United States, the concept of “White Rage” is often misunderstood or overlooked, but its impact is both profound and pervasive. Historian Carol Anderson describes White Rage as “subtle” and “corrosive,” operating through legal and institutional means rather than overt displays of hatred or violence. This rage, she notes, “cloaks itself in legalities” and targets not merely the presence of Black people but their ambition, drive, and refusal to accept subjugation. My own experience with the U.S. legal system is a testament to the destructive power of White Rage, and it is crucial to expose how it has shaped the injustices I have faced.
White Rage and My Wrongful Conviction
In February 2017, I was wrongfully convicted in Arizona, sentenced to over six years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, and ultimately deported. The conviction itself was marred by numerous irregularities, including the prosecution’s withholding of key evidence that could have exonerated me.
For instance, the criminal histories and arrest records of key witnesses like Jamil Trevon Curd and Detective Marchele Miller were concealed from my defense. Curd’s testimony played a critical role in my conviction, yet the jury was never informed of his own criminal background or any potential motivations he might have had to cooperate with law enforcement at my expense. Similarly, Detective Miller, who was involved in the investigation, had a history of questionable conduct that was hidden from the court. These omissions are not mere procedural errors; they reflect a deliberate effort to secure a conviction, regardless of the truth.
These actions are emblematic of the kind of systemic injustice Carol Anderson speaks about when she says, “It cloaks itself in legalities.” The veneer of legality—the appearance that everything was done according to the book—was used to mask an underlying bias against me. My success as a software engineer, my entrepreneurial ventures, and my refusal to accept a lesser status made me a target. This is White Rage in action, not through physical violence, but through the silent, insidious workings of the judicial system.
The Role of Legal Institutions
White Rage operates insidiously through legal institutions, where the levers of power are pulled to maintain the status quo. In my case, it was evident in the behavior of the prosecution, the conduct of the trial, and the eventual outcome. The very institutions that should safeguard justice instead worked to suppress it.
For example, the prosecution’s reliance on unreliable witnesses with questionable backgrounds—while simultaneously hiding their past from the defense—demonstrates a clear intent to manipulate the outcome. Furthermore, my defense was systematically undermined by the prosecution’s refusal to disclose exculpatory evidence, violating the principles of a fair trial.
This manipulation is a classic example of what Anderson describes: “It operates through the State Legislatures, through Congress, through the Judiciary, through school boards.” The legal system, in my case, became a weapon to enforce a particular narrative: that a Black man, despite his accomplishments, could not be allowed to succeed without facing severe repercussions.
The Punishment of Black Resilience
“This society has punished Black resilience and Black resolve,” Anderson notes, and my case is a clear illustration of this truth. My resilience in the face of adversity, my determination to succeed despite systemic barriers, and my resolve to fight for my rights were met with harsh punishment. The wrongful conviction, my time in prison, and subsequent deportation were not just about one man’s case; they were about a system reacting against the very qualities that threaten its established order.
The Evidence of White Rage
The evidence of White Rage in my case is not just anecdotal; it is documented and undeniable. The concealment of evidence, the manipulation of legal processes, and the disproportionate punishment all point to a system that is anything but fair. For example:
1. Concealment of Witness Criminal Histories and Bias
- Key Witness: Jamil Trevon Curd
- Criminal Background: The prosecution concealed Curd’s criminal history, which could have cast doubt on his credibility and motives for testifying against me. Curd’s cooperation with law enforcement may have been influenced by his own legal troubles(multiple arrest warrants at the time), yet this crucial context was kept from the defense and the jury.
- Impact: The jury’s perception of Curd as a reliable witness was artificially bolstered by this omission, directly influencing the trial’s outcome.
- Key Witness: Detective Marchele Miller
- Questionable Conduct: Detective Miller, who was instrumental in the investigation, had a history of misconduct or questionable practices that were not disclosed to the defense. This lack of transparency further compromised the fairness of the trial.
- Impact: By hiding Miller’s past, the prosecution ensured that the defense could not challenge the integrity of the investigation, skewing the trial in favor of the prosecution.
2. Brady Rule Violation
- Withholding of Exculpatory Evidence
- Legal Context: The Brady Rule mandates that the prosecution must disclose any evidence favorable to the accused that is material to guilt or punishment. In my case, the prosecution failed to turn over exculpatory evidence(deliberately), specifically the criminal records and potential biases of key witnesses.
- Impact: This violation of my constitutional rights under the Brady Rule is a clear example of how the legal system was manipulated to ensure a conviction. The withheld information could have significantly altered the jury’s decision had it been presented.
3. Disproportionate Sentencing
- Severity of Sentence
- Context: Despite the lack of conclusive evidence and the presence of prosecutorial misconduct, I was sentenced to over six years in prison, followed by deportation. The harshness of the sentence suggests a desire to punish me beyond what was warranted by the circumstances of the case.
- Impact: The severity of my sentence is indicative of a punitive approach that goes beyond the specifics of the alleged crime, reflecting a broader systemic bias against me as a successful Black man.
4. Systemic Bias in the Judicial Process
- Manipulation of Legal Procedures
- Procedural Fairness: The prosecution’s tactics, including the strategic concealment of key information and the reliance on questionable witnesses, reflect a broader pattern of systemic bias. This manipulation undermines the fairness of the judicial process and highlights how the legal system can be weaponized against those who challenge societal norms.
- Impact: These actions demonstrate how the judicial system was used not to seek justice, but to maintain control and suppress what Carol Anderson describes as “Black resilience and Black resolve.”
5. Broader Context of White Rage
- Systemic Punishment of Success
- Racial Dynamics: As Carol Anderson points out, White Rage is triggered not merely by the presence of Black individuals, but by their success and refusal to accept subjugation. My professional achievements and determination to fight for my rights made me a target within a system that views such traits as threats.
- Impact: My case fits into a broader historical pattern where Black individuals who achieve success are systematically undermined through legal and institutional means.
6. Deportation Following Incarceration
- Legal and Constitutional Violations
- Immigration Context: Following my incarceration, I was held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and eventually deported, despite having been a lawful permanent resident since childhood. This action further highlights the extent to which the system sought to punish and remove me, regardless of legal norms.
- Impact: The deportation, following an already flawed legal process, serves as the final step in the system’s effort to suppress my resilience and ambition.
Moving Forward
As I continue to fight for justice and assert my legal, constitutional, and human rights, I do so with the understanding that I am challenging a system built on the foundations of White Rage. My story is not just a personal one; it is part of a larger narrative of resistance against a system that seeks to suppress Black ambition and success.
The fight is far from over, but by shining a light on the corrosive effects of White Rage, we can begin to create a more just and equitable society.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
