A Manifesto on Race | 2020
Indeed, the word “race” and the topic of “race” make many of us feel uncomfortable. However, George Floyd’s death on May 25th 2020 as well as the events that ensued in the US and across the globe should compel us all to reflect on the state of race-relations in our communities and society.
First, it must be acknowledged that an unarmed man was killed by a law-enforcement officer… in broad daylight no less. While the truth that is so difficult to bear is that: Yes! George Floyd was killed because he was black.
These are deeply troubling facts that are evermore troubling if you, yourself are black (like I am), have black friends or black family members.
Let us be soberingly aware that the protests and manifestation that have ensued in Minneapolis and across the US since Mr Floyd’s death, represent more than something to rally around amidst an energy-draining pandemic; so much more than just deeply troubling media images and (still) so much more than a hashtag about a (black) man’s undeserving death.
Let us be aware that George Floyd’s death is not the first of its kind… Countless names have faced the same plight and many of their names have been forgotten amidst our day to day vernacular.
Let us be aware that George Floyd’s death is about deeply rooted biases and institutional racism that has been plaguing many of our communities for far too long.
Let us also be aware that George Floyd’s death has occurred in a time where some of our leaders are inciting violence rather than giving us messages of peace. A time where some of our leaders choose to divide us through rhetoric and lies, rather than uplifting us with ideals about unity, compassion and community.
Let us also be aware that the actions of 4 bad cops in the US do not represent the integrity of the entire profession, nor the attitude of an entire race or nationality.
More racism wont end racism.
More intolerance will not stop intolerance.
More violence will not stop violence.
While I was recently reminded that injustice for one of us will eventually lead to injustice for all of us!
Perhaps we should believe that the solution to these problems exist in each of us through our ability to choose compassion over prejudice. To choose diplomacy over arrogance and to stand up for justice rather than stay silent… Every day.
Each of us have the power to treat our neighbors with the dignity and the respect we would expect ourselves… Every day.
And when we see injustice, that we stand up for our victims loudly and without exception… Every day.
For now, even amidst this time of physical distance, we can take some time to reflect about our own biases, our own behaviors and the things we choose to see, say and do, today.
For right now, perhaps we should try to listen.
