George Floyd

The recent murder of George Floyd has directed our sole attention to the Black Lives Matter movement once again. Protests sweep the nation, and social media awareness posts spread like wildfire. Yet again, police forces and government officials attempt to douse the flames. Like a broken record on repeat, a constant cycle of explosion and extinguish, America has become all too familiar with reacting to problems rather than preventing them. We are tired, confused, and frustrated. Vulnerable communities live in a heightened state of anxiety, fearing when the ensuing tragedy will strike, or if they will be the next ones to go. Those citizens are never truly free — the inherent racism in our country permanently binds them to generations worth of terror and oppression. It restricts their right to live justly, peacefully, and equally. 

A widespread reluctance to alter our underlying systems is fueling the fires as we speak. At this rate, we’ll witness the demise of our nation’s core values. We’ll watch it burn and deteriorate into an unrecognizable ‘land of the free.’ You don’t have to be “into politics” to care about the issues, recognize your privilege, or take a stand. Likewise, the hesitation associated with advocacy is often due to a general misconception that our actions will fail to make a difference. These are the exact sentiments and misunderstandings we must rise above. As far as the Black Lives Matter movement – and other revolutions – have progressed, it all remains fruitless if, for every step forward we take, another disaster drags us back. The issues remain stagnant; people become numb to the violence, silently accepting of the deaths. 

If a constant feeling of helplessness persists, you’re not alone. But it’s time we break this never ending cycle of grief, followed by a sense of short-term ‘relief.’ 

“You many live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be.” 

– Michelle Obama