Thread by @BarristerAbi

I am so struck by the dignitiy of this family. #JusticeForChrisKaba @JeffersonBosela

Chris's mum shared how much joy he brought to her home. How he shone a light. How he would go out to his way to ensure she was happy

Chris's dad has spoken about the moment he was called and informed his son had been shot by the police. His voice broke as he shared that it wasn't until 12h after Chris had died that he received the news.

Chris's cousin and family spokesperson @JeffersonBosela spoke about how close he was to Chris. His sadness at losing his best friend but also highlighted the love and support the family has received from community.

Chris' fiancé, who was pregnant when Chris was shot, wrote a letter read to us by @JeffersonBosela. The first time she has made any kind of public statement. Summary below:

Now @MrLeeLawrence, son of Cherry Groce shared the pain of processing loss whilst trying to advocate for change and for justice. Lee's mother, Cherry, was shot by a Met police officer in front of him and his siblings.

After the officer shot his mother, he cried out. The officer pointed his gun at 11 year old Lee asserting that if someone didn't shut Lee up, he would sort him out.

The officer who shot Lee's mother was acquitted at trial.

Lee's family had to appeal the decision for them not to be given legal aid for her inquest. They had to campaign, raise public funds, meet with politicians. Whilst grieving.

Now @TemiMwale of @4FrontProject who highlighted how rare it is for families like Chris' to mobilise so quickly. She called on us to remember what happens after the protests, after we go home. The pain victims are still left with. That these issues continue. Trauma.

.@TemiMwale asks what accountability looks like. That solutions need to be systemic, institutional. She challenged us to have bigger visions of justice.

Temi asks us to think about the vast budget invested in policing, the Met in particular whilst we've seen a defunding of projects and resources that support young people, their education, housing, recreation, welfare.

.@TemiMwale encouraged us, in the mean time, to support one another.
Through therapy for trauma, engagement, connection. Speaking to people, writing to people. Centering empathy. Actions like legal clinics, writing to those in prison, better mental health support...

Marvina Newton, hosting the conference, reminded us to think about what we individually can do to enact change after listening to each speaker. #justiceforchriskaba

.@RDSS400 spoke of when he and his partner were pulled over with their 3.5month old baby left in the vehicle for 50mins whilst both were handcuffed outside the car. Neither he nor his partner have ever been charged with an offence.

Now, the brothers of Moyied Bashir who died after police were called to his home address amd restrained him. Police were called by Moyied's family concerned about a mental health episode he was suffering through. They spoke about how similar their grief is to the Kabas

One brother shared how in the weeks after his brother was killed, he was repeatedly stopped by the police and later pushed over by an officer at a family gathering.

MP @BellRibeiroAddy shared that she received a call from the @metpoliceuk informing her of Chris' death *before* they had informed Chris' parents. She stated clearly it should not have happened that way round

Bell spoke of how in the 3y she's been MP Lambeth has seen terrorism, the murder of Sarah Everard and Chris' killing. She highlights that trust & confidence in the police is lower in Lambeth than anywhere in London

Bell also highlighted concerns about the difference in information received from the Met and IOPC which has now been extensively reported about.

.@BellRibeiroAddy highlighted concerns about the media's dehumanisation of Chris in the immediate aftermath of his shooting. That his family, whilst grieving, had to fight against that too

We've been told that the police turned up at today's venue asking questions about how it was booked, insurance, security, etc. Adding to the family's feeling they are being treated with suspicion by the Met rather than supported through this process #justiceforchriskaba

.@BellRibeiroAddy shares that Cressida Dick would meet with MPs and tell them the reason for racial disparities in policing was because Black people committed more crime.

Rashida wrapped up by sharing a fun memory of him: Chris was one of many male cousins. In '04 at a house party for one of their bdays, they played Pow by Lethal B. Excited by the music & sugar frm the sweets he'd eaten. Chris ran outside, into a parked car & knocked himself out!

.@akalamusic reminded us that we are entitled to due process. That we need to push back against racial stereotyping, sweeping generalisations about drill music, etc. He highlighted that this happens to Black victims but not to white perpetrators.