“What do you think the chances are that our home will be destroyed tonight?”
We found ourselves considering the risks associated with our neighborhood, the very place where the tragic death of George Floyd had sparked intense unrest. It was the day before the fifth night of protests. As my partner and I debated the likelihood of danger compared to the COVID-19 mortality rate, I realized it was time to evacuate our two young kids.
I reached out to the other families on our block through text, and by nightfall—before the highways were closed and the city advised us to protect our homes from potential arson—we collectively decided to relocate our children to a safer environment.
Initially, I wrestled with the decision. As a white woman with white children, I questioned the ethics and implications of leaving. But it struck me—my children’s safety was paramount. Later that evening, a tweet from our City Councilmember validated our worries: “I’m advising vulnerable populations to evacuate the Lake Street corridor. This area will not be safe for children and elders.” Protecting children is a universal responsibility, transcending race.