Vernell Williams, who has a 25-year-old son who suffers from mental health issues, below, shared a message about the need for better mental health services. Mr. Otieno was suffocated while shackled and handcuffed at Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, a psychiatric hospital while suffering from a mental health crisis on March 6. Ten people including deputies and hospital workers have been charged with second degree murder in his death.
In delivering the eulogy, the Rev. Al Sharpton promised retribution for Mr. Otieno’s death.
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Rites of passage
Rites of passage ceremonies traditionally mark important transitional periods in a person’s life, such as birth, puberty, marriage, having children, and death. In recent weeks, Richmond and surrounding communities have witnessed far too many rites of passage for young Black men whose lives were cut short by horrific tragedy.
