Crump Book on ‘Legalized Genocide’ Stirs Renewed Debate on Reparations, Constitution Reforms

Attorney Benjamin Crump has championed high profile cases against police brutality toward African Americans in the 2010s. (Photo Credit: New York Magazine)

“In this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it. Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh. They despise it. They don’t love your eyes; they’d just as soon pick em out. No more do they love the skin on your back. Yonder they flay it. And O my people they do not love your hands. Those they only use, tie, bind, chop off and leave empty. Love your hands! Love them.” — Toni Morrison, Beloved

By Kevin C. Peterson

There are two noteworthy distinctions that mark the jacket cover of Benjamin Crump’s new book, “Open Season.”

First, is the use of the meta-indicting phrase “genocide.” It serves as part of the book’s subtitle and as a puncturing accusation against the depth and duration of white racism. The second is the saturnine composure reflected in the mien of the author, Crump — which signifies portentousness and purpose at deliberating upon the sobering matters contained within this well-developed and arresting book.

Crump came into our national consciousness during the 2010s, namely for his hyper-active and seemingly ubiquitous legal battles against police brutality in the black community. His prominence swelled in the wake of his defense of Trayvon…