The police who killed Tyre Nichols were Black. But they might still have been driven by racism

Three decades ago, when four White Los Angeles police officers were videotaped beating Rodney King, the public outcry was heard around the world. In fact, I got arrested for the first time in my life during protests that followed. And I subsequently dedicated my career as a lawyer to helping to sue rogue cops, close prisons and reform the criminal justice system. It was a defining moment for the nation and the world.

What happened to King was horrifying — but at least he survived the ordeal. Tyre Nichols, tragically,...