Have you ever been at church ready to receive the message when the clergyperson stands and says, “I have been impressed to change my sermon today…”? Well, the monthly newsletter that I had originally planned for today has been scratched because in times like these I cannot be silent!
I am so saddened and angered by the senseless death of another Black man, George Floyd, under the knee of a police officer. His death, like countless others, are linked to our nation's history of racial injustice. Racism is a form of evil that’s been perpetuated for so long that it seems to be ingrained in the DNA of many Americans who tout “patriotism.” Foolishness! Unless there is a change of heart, a love for all humankind, and equal justice—which includes justice for Black people—the cycle of violence may never be broken.
Saturday morning, I awoke to news that a demonstration had erupted in downtown Cincinnati and businesses were sustaining damages. Students and friends went down to check on SL and informed me that the store was unharmed. I was relieved…but only briefly. Sunday night I had a heavy heart fearing that my son and his family, who had gone for a bike ride in Cleveland, would find themselves in the middle of violent protests. I learned on Monday morning that they had found their way out safely.
As protests happen across the nation, I am also reminded that Black people are at especially high risk of contracting and dying from coronavirus—yet another result of economic and social disparities related to systemic racism. (Similar trends have been reported regarding high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, obesity, mental illness, and I could go on and on.)
At times like these, I am reminded to resist resorting to violence as a response to violence. I know firsthand what it is like to be discriminated against. As a Black woman, I have faced discrimination throughout my life! Yet I still make the effort to treat others as human beings and to show kindness in spite of their actions.
I cannot tell you how to grieve or behave in the midst of cruelty and injustice. If you are Black, I can only remind you that you’ve inherited the resilience that our forebears have shown throughout history. I can point to the contributions we have made culturally, scientifically and economically against all odds. And I can encourage you to fight for change in ways that do not put more Black lives at unnecessary risk. The world needs you, especially in times like these.