Standing Up for Equal Justice

This past week broke hearts for many reasons. For us, George Floyd’s death held up a mirror to the many hidden stories in our culture. Again. Even while these stories not happening right in front of us, they’re not hidden at all. These moments happen over and over, year after year. Our town is a privileged bubble. Yet, we still want to show up, stand up, and work towards a more fair and just society for everyone living in America. So we strategized how we could participate with Staying at Home, which is still important for us. We figured out that we could join the local gathering while staying well away, outdoors, from other people. The balance between social justice and personal safety can feel overwhelming. 

Anika is compelled to act as she sees communities rally to build a better future. She made a sign and researched the local demonstration that happens daily. I admit, as a Mom, that I worried that she might encounter hostile energy and/or pushback from people driving past. We have joined demonstrations against family separations and in favor of gun safety reforms where the tension bubbled over into antagonistic shouting between different viewpoints. So we speculated about the dangers, especially as protests turn violent around the country. At the same time, our little town is unlikely to tip into full-scale brawls. We made contingency plans, like that we would stand on the outside edge, and we would be mindful of tension and leave if anything escalated. We measured concerns against the concern that, “What if we do not participate? What even no one shows up?”

So we put on masks and brought a sign and the camera. We had to show that we care.  

And we were surprised.

Because the gathering was the opposite of our apprehensions. People gathered on street-corners respectfully, staying out of traffic. No one crowded close to one another. People carried signs or an American flag. Most people wore masks. The ages ranged from toddlers to grandparents. With plenty of young people in their teens and twenties. 

Yes, some folks in passing cars gave puzzled looks or made comments about not seeing black people standing in the gathering. Which is true because our community is not diverse. But that doesn’t diminish the effort to support change. We all have a role in dismantling oppressive systems. I can support constructive policing and accountability while condemning overly aggressive tactics. I can condemn violence and looting while supporting reform and justice. I can question the system. I can demand fundamental change while recognizing that good police are out there as well. 

I would like to see more training and expectations for de-escalation techniques. I would like to build understanding and value each other before we dominate and silence one another. 

Back to the positives. We had many, many passing cars honk in support as they passed. Waving and peace signs. Our favorite thing was noticing diverse people driving past. And their expressions as they saw us gathered on street corners. The looks of appreciation showed us how, even when we’re not the group struggling directly, there is power in showing people that we care. We can create a better world.

Sending support to everyone taking risks, being brave, and standing up for change.