Several
centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its
original sin: slavery. If we are going to eradicate inequality and end the
racial divide, we must first confront the system and the bigoted history that
fostered it.
While
it is common to see signs in yards or posts on social media, the real work
entails learning about the inequalities that grew out of the old system that
still directly impacts our current one.
It
requires improving our education system that is failing many in our urban
communities; transforming our penal system that delivers harsher punishments to
people of color; elevating the education and training for our police
departments; and providing far greater economic opportunities for communities
that for far too long have been left behind, beat down and oppressed. This is a
broad stroke and just a few of the expansive systematic remedies required. This
season of great unrest was not created overnight and will not be fixed
overnight. It will take a collaborative approach requiring profound wisdom,
resolve and grace.
These
systematic reforms necessary are impossible unless we determine collectively to
see the dignity, worth and value of our neighbors, regardless of the color of
their skin, political affiliation, gender, or life experiences. We must
accept the impact of biases and renew an emphasis to wholeheartedly listen,
seek to understand pains, empathize with underlying frustrations of oppressed
communities, and treat those from different backgrounds as absolute equals. This
important work does not begin at a federal or state level, but with the
reflection staring back at us in the mirror.
So,
which side am I on?
I’m
on the side that is tired of the polarization of thinking and refuses anymore
to pit race against race, religion against religion, party against party,
prejudice against prejudice. The side that understands we must stop sowing the
seeds of hateful divisiveness.
I’m
on the side that is angry with the way a significant part of our population,
our family, has been treated. The side that desires fundamental improvements
now.
I
am on the side that believes respecting the dignity and value of every human
life is foundationally essential for any society to truly thrive. The side that
holds us accountable to supporting this truth through our actions and the side
that expects others to be held accountable for their actions.
I’m
on the side that is profoundly grateful for the vast majority of our police
officers who selflessly protect and serve those they’ve never met, who strive
to keep communities safe, and who risk their lives daily for strangers. The
side that believes unwaveringly that they should be respected and have the same
right as anyone else to return home safely at the end of the day.
I’m
on the side of supporting protests demanding equality, endeavoring to both open
our eyes to our privilege and our minds to recognize our implicit bias. The
side that believes, even still, in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit
of happiness for all people.
This
is my side.
And
there is room for everyone on it.
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