There are moments that leave an indelible mark on our consciousness, moments we wish we could erase. Recently, I watched footage of a tragic event involving the loss of a life due to police violence. The experience was overwhelming—my skin prickled, my throat tightened, and tears flowed uncontrollably.
Witnessing such brutality brings with it a profound sense of responsibility. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society. My mind may try to cling to justifications for the violence—phrases like “he was a threat” or “he had a criminal record.” This instinct to distance myself from the victim is not inherently malicious, but it is misguided. We cannot find solace in dehumanizing those who have suffered, like Alton Sterling or countless others who faced similar fates. To do so is to miss the deeper issue at hand.
As a white woman, I cannot fully grasp the experiences of my Black brothers and sisters. Yet, I know that we cannot remain silent while they endure this pain alone. It is crucial to resist the urge to rationalize these tragedies. If you find yourself justifying such violence with words like “thug” or “dangerous,” I urge you to confront the reality of what you are witnessing. Even if the victim had a troubled past, where is the justice in their treatment? What happened to the due process of law?
This is not merely an individual tragedy; it is a collective ailment afflicting our society. While I have shared my personal journey with breast cancer, today I speak of a different kind of cancer—one that infects our communities. It may be tempting to ignore its existence, but these acts of violence are symptoms of a larger disease: racism. Acknowledging this sickness is the first step toward healing.
Healing requires vulnerability and honesty. We must be willing to confront our discomfort and seek out the truth. This journey is not easy, and it can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with such monumental issues. I often feel small in the face of these challenges, wondering how one individual can make a difference.
Last night, I attended a performance by a local youth organization that was founded in response to civil unrest in our community. The leader, Michelle, spoke about her commitment to finding solutions through the power of music. As I watched a diverse group of students perform together, I felt a sense of hope. Their voices harmonized, and the lyrics spoke of peace and unity.
In that moment, I saw connection where there is often division. My son instinctively reached for the hand of a young Black man nearby, demonstrating the innocence of unity. Tears filled my eyes as the message of the music resonated deeply within me. This is what healing looks like—embracing our shared humanity, regardless of our differences.
As I lay in bed that night, the words of a song echoed in my mind: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I encourage you to confront the uncomfortable truths in our society. Watch the videos, read the stories, and resist the voices that attempt to categorize victims as “others.” There is no “other”—there is only us.
In order to forge a path forward, we must acknowledge the crisis we face. The fight against racism is one we all must join, for as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “No one is free until we are all free.”
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In summary, acknowledging the reality of racism is essential for healing our communities. We must confront our discomfort, stand in solidarity with those who suffer, and work toward a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Keyphrase: Racism as a societal illness
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