I would like to take a moment to explain why it is difficult for a large percent of African Americans to breathe. As we continue to struggle to process and cope with the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now also trying to process the tragic death and senseless murder of George Floyd.
For many African Americans, the modern-day lynching of George Floyd reminds us of the systematic injustice that has and continues to threaten the moral fabric of America. As we try to make sense of what it means to be an American and more importantly what it means to be an African American in this country, many of us are struggling to breathe.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans are not outraged about the senseless murder of black people.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans are remaining silent because they do not have to confront the societal demons called racism and injustice.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans believe that injustice is a cultural issue and not systematic issue.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans hide behind privilege and false perception.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans are well-intentioned, but are naïve about the stronghold and negative impact of racism.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans do not understand that social empowerment cannot be achieved without economic empowerment.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans lack empathy and compassion for people who look like George Floyd.
- We are struggling to breathe because some Americans are ok with living in A Nation That Is Divided by Injustice and Racism.
I do not pretend to have all of the answers, but I do not know that civil unrest and violence will be unavoidable as long as African Americans continue to struggle to breath. We are as strong as the strongest American. Given this, I challenge you to look at yourself and decide if you are part of the solution or part of the problem. Also, I challenge you to ask yourself, “What positive and productive actions can I take to ensure that all Americans are capable of breathing freely?
We might not be able to remove all of the obstacles that are negatively affecting this country, especially not overnight, but we can begin to work our emotional and mental wellbeing. This is critically important because a person filled with hopelessness and helplessness sees no way forward.
- Take a risk and speak up!
- Take a risk and get counseling!
- Take a risk and hold people accountable!
- Take a risk and change what you do not like when you look in the mirror!
- Take a risk and work to change A NATION THAT IS DIVIDED BY INJUSTICE AND RACISM.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risk will accomplish nothing in life.” -Muhammad Ali
As we all struggle to understand what is happening in America, please remember that breathing is necessary for living. We want to breathe justice! We want to breathe freedom. We want to breathe because Black Lives Matter.