For over six months of 2020, we have all experienced the many ways in which life has shifted. Twin pandemics, COVID-19 and the social uprising, have shocked the nation and the world. While trying to find a semblance of normalcy and buckle down for the Fall, we cannot look away from the large problems that face us – systemic racism and the dehumanization of people of color, particularly Black people.
The appalling murder of George Floyd caused a national outcry. It is possible many of you took to the streets to protest, participated in learning, created art, spoke with friends – engaged in hard conversations, and donated to grassroots organizations within our state or Minnesota. We witnessed big corporations make statements. Johnson Controls posted a video on Instagram in solidarity, taking a stand against racism, inequality and social injustice. ManpowerGroup posted on Facebook, that they’re “committed to fighting racism and strengthening diversity, equality and inclusion within our company, and the communities in which we live and operate.” Statements like these flooded our airwaves, providing a sliver of hope that the times are beginning to change and head in the right direction.
On August 26th, following the awful shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, major sports teams, led by the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, refused to play. Earlier that day, Republican state legislators refused to take meaningful action during a special session called to consider police reform bills presented by Governor Evers. This unprecedented response from a multibillion-dollar sports industry – that began with one kneeling man in 2016 – demonstrates the role of solidarity, consistently speaking up and demanding action in the face of injustice. We praised the Milwaukee Bucks’ calls for accountability and systemic change for those victimized at the hands of police.
Months later, we are compelled to ask, are you still engaged? Are you still ignited by the overtly demeaning and abusive treatment of your fellow neighbors, community members, and citizens? We ask the business owners and leaders, are you implementing thoughtful and specific next steps to continue the change you stood up for? Are you listening to those who are most impacted and what they need? The constant flood of traumatic news has the potential to demoralize us and lead to despair. To seize this moment, we urge you to fight against that feeling. In no way is this a simple task, but one that is imperative.
The notion that we are stronger together is a fundamental value of this country. That is all the more true in times of crisis. We are all human; no one person, gender, ethnicity or race is better than another. Times are extremely challenging, and 2020 seems to present obstacles at every turn. These challenges do not mean we get to sit on the sidelines. We encourage you to get involved by voting –help others register to vote, work the polls, or donate time, money, or resources to others in your community fighting for the collective good. We encourage you to stay in the struggle. In the words of the late civil rights giant, John Lewis, go get in good trouble.
Alexa Turner
Artwork provided by Nik Soupè (@souplaws) and @weare1906
