I’ve been trying to think about a deep, impactful message for days – and I can’t. Nothing I write can make a difference, as honest and heartfelt as it may be. I absolutely denounce the actions taken by four law enforcement officers in Minneapolis that led to the senseless death of George Floyd. And also ALL the criminals who work IN OUR SYSTEM to cause the tragic and senseless deaths of African-Americans so disproportionately. I also absolutely denounce those in positions of power who benefit from the widening divisions they seed in our nation’s people.
But we have an epic task before us – as a nation and as individuals – I, myself, as an individual. We MUST do better, we must educate ourselves – listen, support, learn, BELIEVE, and take action, MEANINGFUL action.
Vote. Support. Read. Engage. Connect. Connect with people you know and care about – make sure they are doing okay. If not (which is likely and understandable), listen to the WHY.
And in all these things, FOLLOW UP. It might seem impossible right now, but we have proven time and again that we so easily forget.
We CAN change. And we MUST.
Gratitude to ALL of those on the frontlines (fronts keep multiplying).
Stay Safe, Stay Strong,
— Mark H
For all of us seeking to facilitate change…
#WeAreDoneDying from the NAACP
Seeking Justice from the Southern Poverty Law Center
Let’s Fight Racism from the United Nations
Securing Justice For All from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law
Fighting Police Abuse: A Community Action Manual from the ACLU
I am somewhat without words for the moment. I was caught as off-guard as anyone when the world shut down and I went from trying to figure out a line-up for a busy season of performances to trying to figure out which groceries have the best shelf life.
