The last week has been heavy and heart-breaking for so many around the country. We stand together against the system of structural racism that led to the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others.
As a white middle-aged man, I can never know the true pain that comes from this moment. But as an individual privileged to be in this position, I will strive to better understand, to listen, and to work with all of you toward a better society, for justice. To stand in solidarity means we come together and, especially for white people, take action daily to do better.
Our country has never come close to grappling with the original sin of slavery and the resulting racism that continues to this day in many forms. Including what Michelle Alexander calls The New Jim Crow - two systems of policing with one targeted at Black and Brown communities that give America 25% of the world's incarcerated with less than 5% of the world's population, and one where similar acts are treated permissively (think the War on Drugs). Certainly policing is challenging work but the entire institution (supported by much and many more than just the police) of over-policing, mass-incarceration, and police militarization in America needs to be structurally reexamined and dramatically reformed.
I was inspired recently by Kennedy and Trinity, two young protesters who explained to me that it's important for them to protest to give voice to the voiceless. They said that it's all of our responsibility to be a small glimmer of hope for a better future. To have uncomfortable conversations with friends and families about our privilege and what our fellow citizens endure. Even with our country's tragic racial history, they grudgingly believe that maybe this time is different. They say, "We'll never know if we don't try."
They also feel it's important now more than ever to be civically engaged - to give true representation to our fragile democracy, to vote out of office those of indifference and inaction of any party, and to create the environment for lasting change.
At the heart of community development and our movement is to listen to and support those most affected. If your organization is engaged in racial justice work, please let us know. We want to help share, support, elevate the work that you are doing.
Be strong. Be kind.
Nate Coffman
Executive Director
Ohio CDC Association |
