The topic of racial justice has been at the forefront of this country’s headlines for the past several years. Our emotions were in inflamed with the murder of Trayvon Martin, and then by the murders of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Alton Sterling, and Philando Castile, to name only a few. Gun violence is in our inner cities nightly, while the cries for the resources needed to rise above subsistence are ignored.
This past week we commemorated the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with statements and tributes affirming the greatness of this nation. As a proud American I too participated. At the same time I’ve always wondered how so many can ignore what history shows us; that America has always struggled with closing the gap between the ideals it espouses and the reality for so many.Thankfully, just as embedded in American history are those who have fought throughout, and pushed the country further toward those ideals. I’ve always admired those Americans and many are my sheroes and heroes.
For most of my life I’ve taken on a personal protest when it comes to the Pledge of Allegiance, and with some exceptions, The Star Spangled Banner. While I would stand quietly out of respect I would not recite. This option is afforded to me in part by the men and women in the armed forces, who have sacrificed so much for the right to do so, and I believe is in the greatest tradition of America.
I’ve decided to make my personal protest more pronounced and public at this time for a variety of reasons. In good conscience I couldn’t continue to protest quietly without using it to highlight the plight of so many. As a person who loves the country of his birth, believes in it and is privileged to have reached a modicum of success in his chosen field, I believe it is my duty to do all I can to raise the voice of those who feel voiceless and who struggle every day.
I am choosing to recommit to this personal protest in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who has bravely decided to kneel down during the national anthem in tribute to oppressed Black Americans. I only hope that local professional athletes will be inspired by this show of strength and join Colin in his protest. This type of non-violent protest is not disrespectful as some have suggested. He deserves support, not criticism for his actions. What does it say about our country when there is a national outrage over an athlete sitting out the national anthem, but the same outrage isn’t expressed when a young Black man is killed for no reason.
Locally, the news of Daniel Pantaleo’s pay raise was especially bothersome. This man, who murdered Eric Garner, was not only not prosecuted or punished for his crime, he was rewarded with increased pay. Where is the justice in that, especially as we struggle with issues of transparency when it comes to police records, including Panteleo’s, and are still fighting to have a vote on the widely supported Right to Know Act.
We are at swelling point in this country. Non-violent protest is in the best tradition in this country. History approves of those who fought for justice even if they were not supported at the time. From boycotts, to the iconic image of the Black power fist up at the Olympics; from marches to sit-ins, many romanticize these hard fights and think about what they would do if we were there. It’s time now for us all to do what we can, with where we are and with what we have. At minimum, we can support those who are trying to do just that.
