By Morris Wambua

Rev. Al Sharpton’s Eulogy for Dvontaye Mitchell: A Call for Justice That Resonates
Beyond Milwaukee
When Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy for Dvontaye Mitchell, the atmosphere was thick with grief, frustration, and a haunting sense of déjà vu. Mitchell, a Black man who died after being restrained by security guards at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee, had his life abruptly cut short in an encounter that bore chilling similarities to the death of George Floyd. As Sharpton spoke, his words pierced the silence like a clarion call—not just to mourn Mitchell, but to challenge a nation still grappling with the harsh realities of racial injustice and excessive force.

A Night of Tragedy: What Happened to Dvontaye Mitchell?

June 30 was supposed to be just another night at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee, but for Dvontaye Mitchell, it became his last. According to initial reports, Mitchell was involved in a disturbance at the hotel that prompted the intervention of four security guards. What transpired next remains a matter of intense scrutiny, but what is clear is that these guards restrained Mitchell, and soon after, he was dead. The Milwaukee County medical examiner has since ruled the death a homicide, yet the circumstances that led to this fatal outcome are still shrouded in uncertainty.

Why did a call for security turn into a death sentence?

Mitchell’s family, grappling with grief and disbelief, disputes the initial portrayal of him as a homeless man causing trouble. They assert that Mitchell was not homeless, but in the throes of a
mental health crisis—a crucial distinction that transforms this incident from a matter of mere security protocol to one of profound empathy and human rights.

This raises critical questions: Could this tragedy have been avoided if the guards had recognized and responded appropriately to a man in crisis?

Where does accountability lie when a system designed to protect ends up taking a
life?

Rev. Sharpton’s Eulogy: More Than a Farewell

In a packed Milwaukee church, Rev. Al Sharpton tookthe podium, facing a sea of somber faces and heavy hearts. Sharpton, a veteran civil rights leader, is no stranger to funerals that double as platforms for social justice. His eulogies are known for blending personal remembrance with
pointed commentary on systemic failures, and this occasion was no different.

As he spoke, his voice oscillated between a preacher’s fervor and a mourner’s lament, weaving a narrative that linked Mitchell’s untimely death to a broader discourse of racial injustice.

"We are here again," Sharpton began, pausing to let the weight of those words sink in.

"Again, we mourn. Again, we cry out. And again, we demand justice."

His speech, a potent mix of sorrow and righteous anger, served as both a tribute to Mitchell’s life and a scathing indictment of the circumstances that led to his death. Sharpton drew direct parallels to the death of George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officers sparked a global outcry and ignited a movement. He reminded the audience that Mitchell’s death is not an isolated incident but part of a painful continuum—a reminder that the systemic change so desperately needed has yet to be realized.

A Death That Echoes George Floyd: Why Does This Keep Happening?

The similarities between the deaths of Dvontaye Mitchell and George Floyd are hard to ignore. Both were Black men whose lives ended after being restrained in situations that quickly escalated to fatal
encounters.

Both deaths were ruled homicides, and both have sparked national conversations about the use of force and the value of Black lives in America.

But what does it mean when these parallels become so commonplace that they’re almost predictable? How many more names will be added to this list before meaningful change takes root?

Sharpton’s eulogy didn’t shy away from these uncomfortable truths. He addressed the persistent cycle of excessive force that disproportionately affects Black individuals, framing Mitchell’s death not as an anomaly, but as a tragic symptom of a deeper societal ailment.

"This is not just about one man," Sharpton declared, his voice rising with conviction.

"This is about the constant devaluation of Black life. It’s about a system that continues to fail us, time and time again."

His words struck a chord, resonating not just with those in attendance, but with a
broader audience grappling with the realization that the fight for racial justice is far from over.

A Deeper Look: The Role of Mental Health and Security Forces

Mitchell’s family has emphasized that he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of his death, an aspect of the story that shifts the conversation from one of security enforcement to one of
compassion and appropriate response.

The involvement of private security guards, rather than trained law enforcement officers, raises critical questions about the preparedness and protocols of such personnel in handling crises
involving vulnerable individuals.

Were these guards trained in de-escalation techniques?

Did they recognize the signs of a mental health emergency? And if not, why were they the ones responding?

The broader issue at play here is the intersection of mental health and security. Private security personnel often operate under different standards than police officers, with varying levels of training and oversight. This discrepancy can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in Mitchell’s
case, where a lack of proper crisis intervention skills may have contributed to an unnecessary escalation.

As calls for justice grow louder, so too do demands for reforms that address these gaps—reforms that include better training for all security personnel in handling mental health crises, and clearer guidelines for when and how force should be applied.

The Aftermath: A Community Demands Answers

Following Sharpton’s eulogy, the outcry for justice has only intensified. Community members have taken to the streets in protest, holding vigils and rallies to honor Mitchell’s memory and demand accountability from those responsible for his death.

Activists are calling for a transparent investigation into the incident, with a focus not only on the actions of the security guards but also on the policies and practices of the Hyatt Regency and
Aimbridge Hospitality, the management company responsible for the hotel. Ben Crump, the high-profile civil rights attorney known for representing the families of victims of police brutality, has been retained by Mitchell’s family.

Crump’s involvement is often a signal of a legal battle to come, one that will seek not just answers, but justice. In his public statements, Crump has emphasized the need for systemic change, pointing out that Mitchell’s death is part of a broader pattern of injustice that
disproportionately affects Black Americans.

"This isn’t just about one family’s pain," Crump stated. "It’s about a community’s demand for
accountability. It’s about ensuring that no other family has to go through this."

Political Overtones: A Message to the Republican National Convention

Sharpton’s eulogy came just days before the Republican National Convention was set to begin in Milwaukee, adding a layer of political urgency to the narrative. In his remarks, Sharpton took aim at the convention’s attendees, challenging them to confront the harsh realities of
racial injustice that persist in America.

He criticized what he described as a "brute force" approach to justice often associated with the
Republican Party, using Mitchell’s death as a stark reminder of the human cost of such policies.

This strategic timing was no accident. Sharpton’s message was clear: As political leaders gather to discuss the future of the country, they cannot ignore the pressing need for reforms that address the
systemic inequalities that continue to harm communities of color.

"You cannot claim to lead this country if you turn a blind eye to its pain," Sharpton asserted, his words cutting through the partisan divide.

His challenge to the Republican Party was not just a critique, but a call to action—a demand
that those in power take responsibility for the change that is so desperately needed.

Critical Analysis: What Does Justice Look Like Now?

As the investigation into Dvontaye Mitchell’s death continues, the question of what true justice looks like looms large.

Is it enough to hold the security guards accountable, or does justice require a more
comprehensive overhaul of the systems that allowed this tragedy to occur?

Mitchell’s death is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms that address not just individual actions, but the broader structures that perpetuate inequality and violence.
Justice, in this context, is not just about punishment—it’s about prevention. It’s about creating a world where a mental health crisis doesn’t end in a funeral, where security doesn’t equate to
suppression, and where every life is valued and protected.

It’s about reimagining public safety in a way that prioritizes care over control, empathy
over enforcement. And it’s about holding not just individuals, but institutions, accountable for their roles in perpetuating harm.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

As Rev. Sharpton concluded his eulogy, he left the audience with a powerful charge: to keep fighting, to keep demanding, and to keep believing in the possibility of a better, more just world.

"We cannot let Dvontaye Mitchell’s death be in vain," he urged.

"We must be the change that we seek, because if not us, then who? And if not now, then
when?"

Mitchell’s story is still unfolding, and the full impact of his death—and Sharpton’s impassioned eulogy—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The struggle for justice, for truth, and for dignity continues. It’s a battle that demands our attention, our voices, and our unwavering commitment to seeing that change is not just a promise, but a reality.

The Road Ahead

The case of Dvontaye Mitchell is a poignant reminder that the fight for civil rights and justice in America is far from over. It is a call to action, not just for those directly affected, but for all
who believe in the principles of equality and human dignity.

As the nation grapples with yet another tragic loss, the hope is that Mitchell’s death will not be just another name in a long list of injustices, but a catalyst for the change that is so desperately needed.
For those committed to this cause, the work continues. It continues in the courtrooms, in the streets, and in the quiet moments of reflection where we must ask ourselves how we can contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Dvontaye Mitchell’s life mattered. His story matters. And in honoring that, we honor the fight for a future where justice is not just an aspiration, but a guarantee.