Thirteen years ago, Joseph’s nightmare began. Behind a McDonald’s restaurant, three men attacked Joseph. The three attackers—all white men—had prior criminal records for drugs and thefts. Joseph, however, was a proud father and husband, and led a crime-free life. While racism and implicit bias are key issues today, thirteen years ago, they were more present and less discussed. Joseph, an undocumented Haitian immigrant, was disbelieved when he told police he acted in self-defense. Joseph explained to police that when the three men tried to rob him, he used a bat to defend his life. And even though Joseph had no criminal record, was employed full time, was a husband and father, the police didn’t believe Joseph. Because the police went with the three men’s story, Joseph was charged with robbery and aggravated assault.
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