Recommit. Today.
What happened to 2020’s racial awakening?
What happened to that massive collective outrage, expressed by the whole world, over the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others? What happened to the intense frustration that seemed to defined 2020, powering us together as one diverse community, united for radical change, during a global pandemic?
What happened to the incredible diversity of humanity, who banded together to create what seemed to be an unstoppable power during an unprecedented season of marches and protests? What happened to the important messaging? The examination of diversity everywhere, from the workplace to entertainment? What happened to the TV commercials that seemed commonplace, all imploring a call to action for everyone to help forward the common causes of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)?
What happened to the intense fearless dialogues, the brave discussions of differences? What happened to the next steps solutions, the real forward movement? What happened to the billions of dollars pledged by corporations to correct racial inequities? What happened to the Black allies who finally said, 'We believe you' and promised to partner up against hate and inequity, no matter how long it takes? What happened to everyone who so stood boldly in solidarity?
Where has everyone gone, now that #BLM is no longer trending? Have we all stopped caring?
Why has the shock of watching the police murder one man on the street in 2020, already receded into history, in the same ways other atrocities of the past like slavery, public lynchings or the turmoil of the Civil Rights Era, when a 14 year old boy from Chicago was beaten to death in Mississippi and crowds of Black folks were attacked with police dogs and firehoses? Why, once again, have we moved on so easily from our outrage?
Is it because, this time, we feel like justice has been served? Do we believe that we've gotten what we've asked for and the fight is over? That Derek Chauvin has been found guilty for his truly heinous crime. Do we believe that somewhere in his 22.5 year prison sentence lies the happy ending that we were all in search of? That somehow Chauvin's punishment illustrates the power of good triumphing over evil. And somehow his sentence brings closure to an impossibly intense story? Only problem? George Floyd is still dead. And he shouldn't be.
So how do we really honor the life of George Floyd? We recommit to our anti-racism principles. Right now. Today. We recommit to the idea of doing something noble and right and important, starting within our own communities, even if we aren't sure exactly where to begin. We recommit to making a difference, even as we doubt our humble efforts can make an everlasting impact. We vow to recommit even if the work moves slowly and we're uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Today, we recommit as a powerful intention of hope, because while BLM rage is easy, what in this quieter time, when there are no loud crowds to follow, the real leaders can finally stand up.