Every time I read of another black person unjustly killed, I get sick to my stomach. I pray for them, I wring my hands, I read about what happened, but I never know what to do. There was something about George Floyd's death that punched me in the gut. Maybe it's because of how painfully clear it is that the police were completely in the wrong. Maybe it's because the minutes leading to his death are out on the internet for anyone to watch. Maybe it's the fact that imagining being him, lying on the ground gasping for air and begging for help from the people whose job is to help but were killing him, is beyond imaginable. For whatever reason, this death seems to be the one that is spurring me to action.
First, take a moment and empathize. Not sympathize but empathize. Imagine that everyday since you were born you look around the world, you look at the news, and you hear about people who look like you being killed in ordinary, everyday situations. Not in war, not in fights, not when doing a dangerous job but when simply trying to live their life. Imagine being told subtly in underhand comments and sometimes blatantly that you are not worth as much as other humans. Imagine having people, your friends!, defend the little phrases that undermine your worth. "Well, but ALL lives matter". Yes, but whose lives are we losing right now? "Not all cops are bad" Of course not but we have too many that are bad and use their power for unjust actions. "It's awful that people are rioting and looting". Can you imagine protesting peacefully (taking a knee, marching, etc) over and over again but nothing changing? Can you imagine a whole group of people being pushed to the point that the only way anyone will listen is with violence? Can you imagine having to constantly defend your right to live in peace, without fear of being killed in your own home because the police broke down the door to the wrong address? Can you imagine wondering who will be next? Will it be your aunt? Will it be your friend? Will it be YOU? I can't imagine that.
Now, are you filled with righteous anger? Are you filled with a deep pain and sadness that God's children are hurting? (Christians: our religions tells us that we HAVE to help our siblings. Is your faith alive if you don't have the works?) Ok, let's use that to make a positive change. Here are some ideas on what we (privileged people/people in power) can do:
- Listen to the black voices in your community and in the world. Amplify them (My friend, Chloe, started me thinking about what I need to do)
- Speak out against racism and acknowledge the racism that you have.
- Donate (money, time, or talent) to a group that is helping the black community. Here are just a few:
- Campaign Zero - researched-based policy solutions to end police brutality in the US
- Freedom Funds - Google "freedom funds" or "bail funds" and your city/area to find a group to donate money to help with legal costs and bail for those arrested for protesting.
- Black Lives Matter
Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Clare G. S.
