Catholic Charities is committed to creating communications platforms that allow individuals who experience racism and other social injustices to have their voices heard.
Today’s message comes from Save First Asset Building Specialist, Randy Lucas.
“We are witnessing historic times—a revolutionary wave of protest and calls to action across the globe against police brutality, institutionalized racism, and social injustice amidst the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic. Unfortunately, George Floyd’s murder is nothing new, and it continues today, but his murder seems to be the tipping point that has mobilized a movement demanding change.
Though we have seen glimpses of hope throughout the unfolding events, like a police officer taking a knee with protestors, or the NFL commissioner apologizing for ignoring its players’ calls to action, we shouldn’t simply accept these gestures as proof of change. Real change starts with the courage to institute action from within.
What changes can we make? Respond with urgency, call out and reject white privilege when we see it, value the opinions of Black people, educate ourselves in racial disparities and real Black history. We must use our privilege to create change in the work we do, in the policies we create, in the outreach we perform, in the discussions we have, in literally every part of our lives. When we get tired—remember that centuries of systemic oppression has exhausted Black communities across this country. Remember the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and so many more Black lives that were stolen by an institution built on white dominance.
Maya Angelou said, ‘I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.’ This will be a lifelong commitment.”