AnnaMaria
The Encounter That Shouldn’t Have Happened
Sergeant Cole’s words cut sharper than his actions:
“Who are you going to call a black? No one is going to take a slave like you seriously. Go back to Africa where you belong.”
General Regina M. McCallum blinked, stunned — not by ignorance alone, but by the raw, unfiltered venom in his voice. The uniform she wore, her rank, her dignity, meant nothing.
“My name is General Regina McCallum,” she said firmly. “You are committing an error.”
Cole and his partner, Officer Henkins, ignored her words. They circled her vehicle, mocked her government-issued iPhone, and treated her like trash — violating every protocol in the book.
Humiliation and Abuse
The two officers yanked her from the car, handcuffed her, and mocked her military credentials. Henkins rifled through her car, tossing documents and credentials to the ground. Cole delivered sharp, humiliating slaps.
“You’re going to spend the night in a cell without a uniform, without a name, and without that face that says, ‘I’m worth more than…’” Henkins sneered.
Regina’s body endured the pain, but inside, a quiet, surgical rage began to take shape.
The Power of One Phone Call
Even as the officers destroyed her phone, mocked her authority, and threatened her, Regina remained calm. With her government-issued device, she knew she had leverage.
A young bystander handed her a replacement phone. Regina quickly dialed Defense Communications, stating her name, code, and situation:
“Brigadier General Regina MC Cal, code 4481, Lima. Illegally detained by Staff County officers. GPS active, visual triangulation required.”
Within seconds, the situation escalated. Cole froze. Henkins paled.
Federal Authority Intervenes
Without sirens or fanfare, three unmarked black vehicles arrived. Agents stepped out with a presence that required no introduction. Regina’s handcuffs were removed; federal jurisdiction took control.
Cole and Henkins were immediately suspended. Their badges, weapons, and credentials were confiscated. A formal investigation into misconduct, racial profiling, abuse of authority, and destruction of federal property began on the spot.
The Lesson in Protocol and Patience
Standing tall, bloodied but composed, Regina addressed the officers:
“You mistook me for a threat, for someone unworthy of respect. You acted out of ignorance and hatred. You did it yourselves. I just pressed the button.”
Minutes later, additional JG agents arrived to finalize the on-site process. Cole and Henkins were led away, defeated.
Peace Restored, Justice Served
Regina, finally free, declined an escort. She surveyed the horizon, her dignity intact, as federal authority ensured justice had been served.
Sometimes, protocol, patience, and presence of mind are the only weapons needed to confront misconduct, racial bias, and abuse of power. One call can make the difference between humiliation and vindication.
