In the book "Ferguson in Black and White" by Jeff Smith, a powerful quote illustrates the experience of a young man who was wrongfully targeted by police. He reflects on being shot multiple times due to a mistaken belief that he possessed a weapon. At just 18 years old, he felt isolated and helpless, facing constant harassment and violence from law enforcement, which left him traumatized and seeking justice.

The young man's ordeal exemplifies the profound impact of systemic issues within law enforcement, highlighting a cycle of intimidation that ultimately forced him to abandon his pursuit of legal recourse. His story reveals the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals, where the threat of violence can stifle their fight for justice, leaving them feeling like victims of terror within their own communities.