Samaria Rice, the mother of Tamir Rice, is doubling down after she accused civil rights activist Tamika Mallory of exploiting her son’s death.
Rice accuses activist Shaun King and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump of doing the same.
12-year-old Tamir was shot and killed by a white police officer while playing with a pellet gun outside a recreation center in Cleveland, Ohio. Surveillance video of the shooting showed that he was shot within two seconds of the police arriving on the scene. Tamir’s death became a symbol for the Black Lives Matter movement.
During Sunday nights Grammys, Mallory took to the stage to perform a spoken-word piece during a Lil Baby performance. Rice took exception to the memory of her son being used in such a manner and took to social media, accusing Mallory of being a “clout-chaser.”
“Look at this clout chaser did she lose something in this fight i don’t think so That’s the problem they take us for a joke thats why we never have justice cause of shit like this,” Rice tweeted.
King then took it upon himself to pen an article about Mallory’s reaction, titled, “Understanding the pain, grief, and fury of Samaria Rice.” While some praised King’s candid write-up, others, including Rice, felt it was an attack and another example of him exploiting her loss.
“For me, it gave substance and seriousness to the entire show, but then again, I know Tamika very well,” wrote King. “She’s as serious and substantive as one person could be. She’s not in this for fame. And she didn’t invite herself onto the show, but was recruited and invited there – and chose to use the moment the best she could.”
In response, Rice, together with Lisa Simpson, mother of Richard Risher, released a joint statement Tuesday, calling for Mallory, King and Crump to step away from their fight.
“Step down from the spotlight of our fights. Do not do anymore interviews, make anymore t-shirts, or hold anymore press conferences or events in the name of our loved ones. Do not use our loved ones to market any events. Stop clout chasing and ambulance chasing these families,” the joint statement reads in part.
The pair also called into The Clay Cane Show, where they blasted the performance and explained their issues with the high-profile activists in-depth.
Below is the complete list of demands from Rice and Simpson.
We demand accountability from everyone mentioned with the following demands:
- Step down from the spotlight of our fights. Do not do anymore interviews, make anymore t-shirts, or hold anymore press conferences or events in the name of our loved ones. Do not use our loved ones to market any events. Stop clout chasing and ambulance chasing these families.
- Black Lives Matter Los Angeles should pay me, Lisa Simpson, as I am the mother of Richard Risher. They had a press conference for the 49 day encampment when my son, Richard Risher, first got killed. They campaigned to raise $5,000 for my son’s funeral. I never received one penny of the money they raised. They kicked me off the encampment because they did not like how I chose to fight for my son.
- Financial assistance for the Tamir Rice Foundation from all who have exploited Tamir Rice: Tamika Mallory, Shaun King, Benjamin Crump, and Black Lives Matter Global Network. I, Samaria Rice, purchased the building in 2018 and it needs remodeling, operational funds, bullet proof windows for the lower level, Hcvac cooling and heating system, commercial flooring, restrooms, furniture, piano repairs, new internal doors, etc.
- Housing funds for Lisa Simpson, as I am battling homelessness with my current children. My son, Richard Risher, was killed by LAPD and I was offered no assistance from BLM. I am currently living in a motel with my children and need funds for housing.
- Support the Tamir Rice Foundation and make all requested donations there: www.tamirericefoundation.org
- Send personal donations to the cashapps of $SamariaRice and $LisaLee693
