Perspective
I have been struggling to find the words to address the horrifically evil events that have taken place in our country over the past week and month.
How to understand the death of George Floyd at the hands of four police officers on a Minneapolis street? How to understand the inhumanity of Amy Cooper and the noble humanity of Christian Cooper in the confrontation in Central Park?
What makes these events even more overwhelming are the many other violent events our country has experienced recently, including the killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky; of Steven Taylor in San Leandro, Sean Reed in Indianapolis, Tony McDade in Tallahassee, and Adrian Medearis in Houston. And this is in addition to the terrible toll COVID-19 is taking on communities of color. These events and the underlying racism are not simply unacceptable; they are tearing the fabric of our society.
I write this blog with a request: let us pray for each other, cherish each other, stand up for each other, and change the world for the better for each other. I ask myself to go deep, to have empathy and compassion, and to live in solidarity with all who rightfully are frightened, exposed, and traumatized. As our country faces the reality of the alarming rise of anti-Asian xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Black violence during the pandemic.
In these difficult days, I invite us all to use our privileges — especially our educated minds, our loving hearts, and in our strength of character to combat racism. As change agents, let us take action: We must reach out and communicate with family, friends, and our larger networks to reaffirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion and denounce racism. One of the things I’ve learned is how often fear is a part of the everyday experience for members of historically underrepresented and socially marginalized groups. Running errands, driving to work, jogging or walking in a park are activities that for some people can quickly become dangerous situations of confrontation, denunciation, or death. While we can’t be together in person, we must be intentional in having these conversations virtually, whether to give voice to the fears and frustrations many are feeling or to offer support.
Each one of us has the immense opportunity to make choices each day that either make our world more inclusive and equitable — or not. There has never been a more crucial time for us to use our influence to lead and acknowledge that being outraged without action is not enough. We need to roll up our sleeves and help each other navigate this increasingly complex social environment, allowing the light of our ideals to show us the way forward, together.
Take good care.
Sincerely,
Lucy Townsend