Continuing Our Voices of Change
On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis officers killed George Floyd. It sparked protests around the country and around the world. Many decided to show their allegiance to the movement by posting a black square as their profile picture across their social media accounts. They were horrified that something like this could happen and were determined to correct this heinous injustice. Some protests were met with counter-protests and a violent backlash. Calls for police reform were demanded and efforts to increase voting gained momentum during a significant presidential election. And all of this took place during the most dangerous pandemic of this century.
It is now the second half of 2021, almost a year and a half since George Floyd’s life was unjustly taken, so what has changed? A cynic might argue that nothing has, but I like to think there is a greater awareness and recognition of societal injustices that are centuries old. But what has changed for you?
Did you change your profile picture to a black square or pride flag? If so, what did you do to follow up to become anti-racist and anti-homophobic as more individuals continue to be unfairly prejudiced against and harmed?
Were you horrified by the nine minutes of footage when Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck? Is that outrage still present and manifesting towards seeing social justice measures come to fruition through the support of organizations and movements?
Did you speak up for certain candidates and encourage others to vote? If so, then what are your thoughts on the voting law changes taking place in many states across the country as we approach the 2022 midterm elections?
Last year saw quite the wave of social movements to make our society more equitable and more just. However, that momentum has waned after the tumultuous summer of 2020. Now, when state legislatures are passing bills to restrict voting, when teachers and school districts are banned from teaching a more expansive history of the country, when the Supreme Court has ordered that states know women’s bodies better than women, this is the time for us to reflect upon what moved us last year to join in this movement. We must renew our collective commitments to put diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice at the forefront. It is important that you recognize what moved you last year and how we must continue to strive to help others. Social Justice is a movement, not a destination. If you care about helping others, we must continue to do all that we can to raise the voices of those who are unable or struggle to raise their own voices. We must consider and act upon creating just societies for all populations, even if it is uncomfortable or taxing. And we must be better tomorrow than we are today.
How are you going to follow up on today’s actions to be the social justice cornerstone that we know you can be?