One again, it seems we are witnessing a surge in “murder by cop,” and other blatant acts of racism against Black people throughout the nation. This comes at a time when our country should be pulling together to protect ourselves and our communities against the deadly coronavirus, which itself is having a radically disproportionate impact on Black people physically, mentally, and economically.
The injustice reflected in the current health and economic conditions has served as kindling for unrest that, once stacked on injustices like those perpetrated against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Christian Cooper, becomes explosive. The violation of Black bodies must stop. History has shown that when there is no accountability, this manner of behavior becomes an acceptable part of policing culture and society. Truth and Justice must be immutable and must be applied equally and it must be color blind. Anyone who violates that principal, including and especially police officers - must be charged and convicted for their actions.
Justice is a natural principal linked to the moral fiber of our existence. If I am robbed of my justice today, you may be robbed of yours tomorrow. We must stand in solidarity against blatant acts of injustice. We must demand that EVERYONE be afforded an equal level of liberty and justice. Excessive and deadly use of force is not an acceptable practice and when it happens, we must stop blaming the victim and demand that perpetrators be prosecuted. Our public officials must acknowledge and dismantle this racist system. Together, we must bury this unequal Jim Crow system forever!
I have seen many Dane County law enforcement leaders come forward and acknowledge that the actions of the officers in the George Floyd case were inappropriate. This acknowledgement is a small step in the right direction, and I applaud those who did so. It is not enough though. We must see more institutional change in policies, procedures, culture, and mindsets and this change must come much more rapidly. We can accept nothing less.
The cost of not applying the law equally is too steep. It is a cost to our infrastructure, our trust, our tranquility, and our quality of life that will affect us all. Join me in denouncing every instance of racism no matter how big or small. Even when it seems like it’s far away, understand the fear it creates and the mental health toll it takes on your Black friends and neighbors right here in Madison. If we demand this justice together, we will see change!
Yours in the movement,
