Freddie Gray: Ten Years of Pain and Change

In April 2025, it will be ten years since 25-year-old Freddie Gray of Baltimore died from injuries he endured while in police custody, resulting in widespread outrage and setting off the flame of protests along with renewed urgency in the racial justice issues in the United States. Ten years later, however, his name remains within many discussions about police accountability, systemic racism, and the unfulfilled promise of justice in America.

Such a Life

On April 12, 2015, he was apprehended by police officers who believed that Freddie Gray tried to conceal evidence of an illegal switchblade. The scissors he had were illegal in their view. Police took him in a police van from one place to another—handcuffed and without all the other provisions of restraint. That was when Gray suffered extensive injuries to his spinal cord. It put him in a coma, and he died on April 19. That was the triggering point for weeks of protests in Baltimore and other cities reaching civil unrest that demanded answers and accountability.

Charges were borne by six officers but with none of them cleared in the courts. The city of Baltimore settled the case for $6.4 million with Gray's family. Still, many were not sure if that was justice enough.

The Controversies That Persisted

In ten years since the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore has continued to fight with poverty, crime, and the strained relations between community and police. Efforts have been made at reforms and federal oversight of the Baltimore Police Department, but change has been slow and patchy.

That incident would mark an early flashpoint in the story that became Black Lives Matter. The movement would swell in size after further cases became headline news-george floyd, breonna taylor, ahmaud arbery.

What Changed—and What Didn't

Over the last ten years, the conversation has shifted to include reforming police agencies, installing body cameras, and defunding police. However, change has not been uniform across the board. While some cities have enacted reforms, others have doubled down on punitive policies.

the fact that the pain of Gray's death still lingers for a lot of people in Baltimore. The community keeps asking for systemic change-not just in policing, but also to address the root causes of inequality: underfunded schools, lack of healthcare, joblessness and housing insecurity.

The Bigger Fight

Gray means more than just police brutality; he is a symbol of the broader fight for justice, dignity, and human rights. His story continues to inspire artists, activists, educators, and everyday people to fight for a better, more equitable world.

On this tenth anniversary of his death, the question now is: How much longer must communities wait for real change? Honoring Freddie Gray means not only remembering the tragedy itself but also committing to the struggle for justice every day. Freddie Gray’s death in 2015 was more than just a tragic incident of police brutality; it became a powerful symbol of the ongoing fight for justice, dignity, and human rights. His story has sparked movements, inspired art and activism, and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. Even a decade later, his legacy continues to resonate in the relentless battle against racial injustice, inequality, and state violence.

As we reflect on ten years since his untimely death, one crucial question lingers: **How much longer will marginalized communities have to wait for genuine transformation?** While we’ve seen some progress, true accountability and meaningful reform still feel out of reach. To honor Gray’s memory, we need to do more than just think back on his life; we must take consistent action. This means pushing for policies that safeguard Black and marginalized lives, challenging oppressive systems, and refusing to settle for small steps as a substitute for real justice.

His name rings out in protests, classrooms, and discussions about policing, race, and equity. But simply remembering him isn’t enough. The most fitting tribute to Freddie Gray is a steadfast commitment to the pursuit of justice—not just during moments of anger, but every single day. Until we dismantle systemic racism and truly value all lives, the fight he symbolizes remains ongoing. The time for change is not tomorrow; it’s right now.