It would be nice if we could write every week about how to save the butterflies and the bees on this earth. But the reality is that we must keep talking about how to save each other. How do we save our souls, our young, and, especially, those persons of color from the disease of racial injustice that is taking over this country? No matter if you raise your hands, comply with orders, or are in your own home and in your own bed, if you are black or brown, you can become a victim, killed or crippled by police gun violence.
It should be impossible for anyone to ignore the disease of police violence and random murder in this country. Every day, we experience unwarranted shootings by the police, armed citizens, and mass shooters. Gun violence is the growing pathology in this country and the theory that more guns will solve this disease is ludicrous. It is like having more cancer will cure cancer. Despite the cry of gun advocates, the theory of more guns is clearly and logically not the solution but it is in fact the essence of the problem. Gun control is actually a lack of control and, at its best, has bred pure violence. More guns have proven to equal more violence and more deaths especially in those communities of color.
We have moved from a cold war in this country to the tipping point of this becoming an outright civil war. If you are black, brown, or indigenous, you know this well. As a parent of color, you fear each day for your child and family. You ask, will they do the right thing and will the police? This week, the jury on the Chauvin murder trial of George Floyd came back with a strong message – we are done with this violence against us!
We are tired of white men and women killing those of color. We are tired of the white call to return to the “old days” because if you look to the true past, it was not great for those people of color or anyone outside of the norm. The fight of the 1960’s and those lives lost for equality should have been enough to sustain this effort but, apparently, it wasn’t. So today “Enough” is the cry of those who are frightened and tired of this violence. Frightened for their families and friends and the future of our world.
We abhor the violence imposed on those who are killed because of their pigment by a revengeful, dominant, white privileged people. We are tired of the white privileged revenge and the hatred for anyone who is not like them. This evil feeds on a war of hate and violence to survive.
To add to this, states are passing bills to outlaw protests against unlawful police shootings. For example, Florida just passed HB1, the anti-riot bill that focuses on prohibiting American citizens from rightfully protesting, stripping people of color and their white supporters from their constitutional rights. Gov. DeSantis sat looking like a “trump with training wheels” as he signed the bill with a big black Sharpie. With extra Sharpies for his fans, he surrounded himself with big white Sheriffs. What amazes me is that these cowardly white men never do anything alone. They are not MLK, Jr, John Lewis, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, or Ruby Bridges who frequently stood courageously alone to fight for human rights.
We ask, when will this change and how can it change? We ask what can we do to fight for racial justice? For the answers we are looking to leaders of color. They can lead us to opportunities in the fight for racial justice. You may choose to be an Actor, an Ally, or an Accomplice to the cause with those who are waging equality and social justice. Educate yourself on what actions you can take. If you are white, check your white societal privilege. For example, remember the time you got stopped for speeding and you got off or just got a minor ticket. You did not have to get out of the car, hands up, or hit the pavement, we bet. If you are white, own your white privilege and understand it. Speak up, write your newspaper, and talk with others. Be comfortable with it. Your actions do not need to be complex.
Two great films out now that will help you understand the struggle of black and brown people are 13th on Netflix and Extinguish All the Brutes on HBO Max. These are real eye openers and a reminder of what we are up against as kind and fair-minded people. These excellent films will help you understand the history of racism in this country. And there is a very disturbing history! We are all a part of this struggle and can help to ease the trauma of racial injustice. We cannot change who we are but you can be a better you.
Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Aware.
I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change… I’m changing the things I cannot accept.
Angela Davis
