Yesterday in Uptown, Winston Smith was publicly executed by the Hennepin County Sheriff and U.S. Marshals in a shopping center parking garage during the busiest time of day.

The media and cops immediately made claims about Smith’s guilt—he was a murder suspect, he was a felon with a gun, he resisted. They would have you believe Smith’s murder was his fault, but the only thing he did was exist as a Black man. Being Black is not a crime, and should not be a death sentence. Having a gun is not a crime, and should not be a death sentence.

Much of the coverage of this murder has been focused on respectability politics, and what Smith did “wrong” in this situation, but the fact of the matter is he did nothing wrong—the cops who killed him did. The involvement of federal law enforcement also demonstrates that the problem with policing and violence toward Black people goes beyond the Minneapolis Police Department. All law enforcement must be abolished, because all law enforcement perpetuates white supremacy and racism at the expense of the lives of Black folks.

Winston was a beloved member of the community, and his life was so much more than how he died. In the interest of focusing not solely on Black death, but uplifting Black joy, we want to share more about what we know of Winston, and his impact on those around him.

Winston Smith was a comedian, a musician, a father, and an involved community member. He spread joy at a time when people needed it most, and his impact on the community was widespread. He made people laugh with skits that went viral, was a positive influence on and avid supporter of those around him, and many say he was the “heart and soul” of Minneapolis. He participated in and helped create Black joy. That, more than his death, should be his legacy.