Even as I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about what is going on in our country today, I am aware that my best work may be to listen rather than try to speak. I have nor written for a couple of nights because I, like many of us, am exhausted and despairing. Tonight, rather than gather my words, I offer words and images that have been meaningful and challenging to me.
I will start with these words from William Barber.
If we take time to listen to this nation’s wounds, they tell us where to look for hope. The hope is in the mourning and the screams, which make us want to rush from this place. There is a sense in which right now we must refuse to be comforted too quickly. Only if these screams and tears and protests shake the very conscience of this nation –and until there is real political and judicial repentance – can we hope for a better society on the other side of this.
These articles give important historical context.
Ibram X, Kendi, “The American Nightmare: To be black and conscious of anti-black racism is to stare into the mirror of your own extinction.”
Carol Anderson, “In 1919, the state failed to protect black Americans. A century later, it’s still failing.”
Some further reading:
Alex Vitale, “The answer to police violence is not ‘reform’. It’s defunding. Here’s why .”
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, “Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge.”
Cornel West, “A boot is crushing the neck of American democracy.“
Andrew Gawthorpe, “America isn’t breaking. It was already broken, and these are just the symptoms.”
And somethings to watch as well.
Otis Moss III
“Black 101,” Frank X. Walker
If you have other voices to share, please provide the links in the comments.
Peace,
Milton
