Stokely Carmichael said ‘If a man wants to lynch
me, that’s his problem. If he’s got the power to
lynch me, that’s my problem.’
So let’s talk about that power, let’s talk about
empathy.
Having limited empathy allows some to pretend
this is new.
Having limited empathy can allow some to say,
I didn’t know this happens in America.
Feeling that you have the impunity to execute
someone in daylight with cameras filming is
despicable.
When you have empathy, you are not non-racist,
you are openly anti-racist.
It takes courage, but we can do it.
When you ignore a leader’s racism, misogyny,
and hate speech, this, in the most charitable
terms, lacks empathy.
I have garnered some privilege as I have moved
through my career in life, it is my responsibility
and duty to use any influence I may have to
connect with resilience and work to change and
improve the system.
I can’t be quiet. I will not be quiet, and frankly,
I am exhausted.
I have worked very hard over the last twenty
years to try and raise a kind, decent, good
black man.
I will not accept that his life matters less.
I will also insist you help me make systemic
change.
We don’t have to solve everything at once,
but we can all use whatever influence we
may have to remove injustice.
We know what is right.
I also say with change, the priority of
actions taken matters.
The first priority might not be to
solve how the oppressed react.
Martin Luther King said … ‘a riot is the
language of the unheard’.
We know why people are upset, let’s
not pretend to not understand.
While I do believe it is best to respond
and not react, there are moments
when injustice has occurred for so long
that people are too hurt and feel too
invisible.
The priority for change has to be
to remove those who have the power
and impunity to kill in the light of day
with their hands in their pockets.
These are people of low moral character
and are incapable of responsibility and
empathy.
We have to demonstrate that we will
work to address the pain and the hurt,
so the true protestors can listen to the
best way to organize and mobilize.
People are fed up.
#saymyname
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