A protester dons a mask bearing the phrase “I CAN’T BREATHE” during demonstrations against the death of George Floyd amidst a night of unrest on May 29, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Scott Olson/Getty Images.
Four years ago, when Marcus Greene was fatally shot by police, I thought, “this is the moment.” How could the United States persist in denying the existence of systemic racism and police violence when an innocent man, simply sitting in his car, was killed? His partner filmed the encounter, and his young child was present. This had to be “the moment.” If not now, then when?
Yet, nothing changed. The officer who took his life was acquitted, and accountability was absent. America remained blind.
Now, we face the tragedy of George Floyd. Yes, many lives have been lost in the interim, but the narrative remains the same. How much more obvious must it be for you to recognize that this is a glaring manifestation of America’s deep-seated racism?
But now, something feels different. I see you stepping up and speaking out. From coast to coast, people are mobilizing. Would this response have been as fervent without the COVID-19 pandemic? Without the dual struggle of Black individuals fighting against a virus and oppressive policing? Without so many people at home, taking the time to watch and listen? And without the toxic presence of a divisive leader in the White House? Historians will analyze the connections, but the ongoing trauma faced by my community makes it hard to reconcile this moment.
It’s undeniable that this year has been incredibly challenging. Yet…
No, not yet. AND.
In the face of the bleakness of 2020, we have also witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness and solidarity. Amidst the pandemic and social upheaval, individuals have shown their best selves. From healthcare workers to educators, from small business owners in Minneapolis supporting protesters to NYC bus drivers, people are stepping up. Some are sewing masks; others are risking their safety to provide water amidst chaos.
In contrast, white supremacists have emerged, attempting to sow division, believing they can blur the lines between justice and revenge, love and hate. They seek to perpetuate the stereotypes that many use to justify their racism. But they will fail, because love ultimately triumphs. We have demonstrated this truth repeatedly since the onset of the pandemic.
You began to see it clearly. It took far too long, but as you witnessed George Floyd’s murder, you remembered others before him: Marcus Greene, Tamara Lane, and others. You may have shaken your head or made phone calls, perhaps even thought, “it’s unfortunate, but they shouldn’t have…” But you could not turn away from George Floyd’s cries for his mother or the indifference of those who took his life.
What is unfolding in our streets is not mere rioting; it’s an uprising. It’s raw, loud, and unapologetic. This is not the civil rights movement of yesteryear. The People are demanding that America settle its long-overdue debts. The wealth and prosperity enjoyed today were built on the backs of those who are now fighting for their lives.
So, while the sight of boarded businesses and shattered glass may be uncomfortable, reflect on what an appropriate response to centuries of oppression might be. Remember, while material possessions can be replaced, human lives cannot. Consider the devastating human cost exacted by American racism.
Hold on tight. Regardless of your feelings about the unrest, there’s no going back. The need for transformative change has never been more urgent. The revolution is being broadcast, and it’s happening now.
Support one another, and be a force for good. Let love guide you, but also justice and equity. Be an outspoken ally against racism and support initiatives aimed at dismantling white supremacy.
Stay vigilant and safe.
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Summary:
The tragic death of George Floyd has ignited a renewed awareness of systemic racism and police brutality in America. This moment, marked by widespread protests and a push for justice, compels society to confront uncomfortable truths about oppression and the need for transformative change. It is a call to action for individuals to support one another and advocate for equity and justice.
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