Despite praise from city officials, many critics slam the cruiser’s design as inappropriate and disrespectful.

The Miami Police Department has sparked outrage after unveiling a new police vehicle decorated for Black History Month. While the city’s mayor, Francis Suarez, praised the vehicle as a “beautiful collaboration” to honour African-American history, the public response has been far from positive.

The vehicle features an outline of the African continent, the phrase “Black History Month” on the passenger side, and a red, yellow, and green colour scheme often associated with pan-Africanism. The unveiling, which took place on Friday, was attended by Mayor Suarez and Police Chief Manuel Morales. Suarez described the vehicle as a symbol of collaboration to commemorate Black history.

However, not everyone shares his view. Dwayne David Paul, a writer and educator, voiced his discontent, commenting on the vehicle’s unveiling, “no Black history in schools but on police cars instead… perfectly captures the United States.” Former South Carolina representative Bakari Sellers also expressed his disbelief on Twitter, asking, “who asked for this?!”

The vehicle’s design has been labelled by some as a “mockery.” One critic, Lana Lovehall, stated, “This is so disrespectful… a complete mockery. That’s how bold they’re getting.”

The timing of the vehicle’s release has also drawn ire. Just a week earlier, the release of bodycam footage showing five Memphis Police officers beating Tyre Nichols, a Black man, sparked protests and outrage across the country. Nichols, who died in the hospital three days after the incident, became the latest victim of police brutality, with further disciplinary actions taken against a sixth officer, an EMT, and an ambulance driver involved in the case.

MSNBC legal analyst Charles Coleman Jr. criticised the unveiling, calling it “tone-deaf performative action,” and stating that such moves provoke backlash by attempting to address social issues in superficial ways.

Vice President demands swift passage of George Floyd Justice and Policing Act following brutal killing of Tyre Nichols by police officers.

At the funeral of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, US Vice President Kamala Harris called for urgent reform in policing across the nation. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died after being brutally beaten by five officers during a traffic stop on January 7. Footage of the incident showed Nichols being punched, kicked, and pepper sprayed, with the officers now facing charges of second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping, official misconduct, and oppression.

During the emotional service, Harris demanded that Congress pass the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act, a bill aimed at reforming police practices and increasing accountability within law enforcement. She stated that President Joe Biden would sign the bill into law and emphasised that delaying the reform was “non-negotiable.”

Reflecting on Nichols’ tragic death, Harris addressed the assembly, stating, “This family lost their loved one due to violence at the hands of those charged with ensuring their safety. Was Tyre Nichols not entitled to safety?”

Reverend Al Sharpton also delivered a powerful speech, echoing Harris’ calls for legislative action and urging Congress to pass the reform bill. The assault has ignited peaceful protests across the country, calling for an end to police violence.

Reverend Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, who officiated the service, spoke of Nichols as a “good person” whose life was unjustly cut short. He emphasised the need for “comprehensive legislative reform” to prevent further violence against Black lives, stating, “We have come and we shall overcome.”

The tragic event has reignited national discussions about police brutality, with activists and lawmakers pushing for lasting change.