A protestor dons a mask emblazoned with the phrase “I CAN’T BREATHE,” as demonstrations continue in response to George Floyd’s tragic death after a night of unrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Four years ago, when Jamal Harrison was shot by police, I thought, “This has to be the turning point.” How could America ignore the glaring issue of racism and police violence when an innocent man, simply sitting in his car, was killed? His girlfriend recorded the incident, and his young daughter was present. Surely, this had to be the catalyst for real change. If not now, when?
Unfortunately, justice was not served. The officer who shot him was acquitted, and the cycle of denial continued.
Now, we are faced with George Floyd’s death. While countless lives have been lost in similar circumstances, the narrative remains unchanged. How much clearer can it be that we are witnessing a profound manifestation of systemic racism in America?
This time feels different, though. There’s a palpable shift. People are rising up and speaking out across the nation. Would this have happened without the COVID-19 pandemic? Without the dual struggle of Black communities grappling with both the virus and police violence? Would there have been such urgency without the blatant disregard for lives displayed by those in power? Historians will surely examine this connection, but it’s hard to reconcile the ongoing trauma that my community has endured.
It’s been a challenging year, to say the least. But let’s not overlook the beauty that has emerged amid chaos. The stark reality of 2020 has birthed incredible acts of compassion and empathy. From healthcare workers to educators, from small business owners supporting protesters to individuals braving adversity to offer aid, humanity has shone through in remarkable ways.
Yes, there are those who wish to divide us, who seek to muddle the lines between justice and vengeance, love and hate. They rely on stereotypes to justify their racism. Yet, I believe love will prevail. We’ve witnessed it daily, especially since March.
Finally, you began to see the truth as you watched George Floyd’s last moments. You recalled those who came before him—Jamal Harrison, Oscar Grant, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice. Perhaps you shook your head in disbelief, or maybe you took action by making calls or writing letters. It’s too easy to dismiss these tragedies as unfortunate, but George Floyd’s desperate call for his mother and the apathy of his assailants are impossible to ignore.
What we see in our streets is not merely rioting; it is an uprising. This is not a polite civil rights movement of the past. The people are demanding accountability, presenting America with a bill that has long been overdue. The prosperity enjoyed today has roots in the labor of those fighting for their lives right now.
So, while the images of shattered storefronts may be unsettling, ask yourself what an appropriate response to four centuries of oppression looks like. Remember, while material things can be replaced, human lives cannot. Reflect on the devastating toll that racism has inflicted on society.
As we move forward, however you feel about the unrest, know that we cannot turn back. The demand for transformative change is overdue. The revolution is underway—it’s being witnessed by all.
Take care of one another. Be a source of support. Let love guide your actions, but also pursue justice and equity. Stand firmly against racism and support organizations working to dismantle white supremacy.
Stay safe.
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Summary
This article discusses the profound impact of George Floyd’s death on the ongoing struggle against racism and police violence in America. It reflects on past tragedies, highlights the emerging solidarity and compassion among individuals, and emphasizes the urgency for transformative change. The piece encourages readers to actively support justice and equity while recognizing the deep-rooted issues of systemic oppression.