On Monday afternoon, a 46-year-old African American man named George Floyd was handcuffed and pinned to the ground under police officer Derek Chauvin’s knees. At 9:52 that evening, Floyd was pronounced dead.
This tragic story is one among thousands saturating today’s news coverage. This narrative has forced us to become familiar with two political buzzwords: racism and police brutality. Not only must we acknowledge the consequences of these highly problematic institutions, but we must confront a pressing question. How do we make a change?
Institutionalized racism is becoming increasingly visible. Some of us have educated ourselves, learning about the all-too-common demographics of overcrowded prisons. We’ve listened intently to the experiences told by the humans who call a 6 by 8 foot box their home. Others have read books like Just Mercy. And some of us have suffered the effects first-hand. Still, a significant portion of Americans are removed. Institutionalized racism goes unrecognized. It is seen from a distance, brushed off as a problem for the politicians.
Not only is George Floyd’s death saturating the media right now, but it is sparking protests and riots around the nation. Layering the current COVID-19 situation onto the timing of this incident, Floyd’s death has become the center of our nation’s news coverage. And the message we keep seeing over and over again is that complacency is no longer acceptable.
Justice for Floyd
While COVID-19 has convinced us that there is not much to do with many of our typical activities cancelled, the activism that is overwhelming my Instagram feed right now tells me otherwise. By now, the video of Floyd’s death has become viral, the “Justice for George Floyd” petition was named the fastest growing Change.org petition in history, and many of us can recognize the rallying cry of Floyd’s face drawn in a wreath of flowers against a blue background. The timing of this incident has reminded us just how glaring the issue of institutionalized racism is in America.
Admittedly, many argue that posting something on your story is not enough. While there is significant truth to this claim, a reframing of this debate may be helpful here. If we utilize these channels as sources of information and ways to stay updated, we can discover avenues for action and make use of these avenues. This pause on life does not mean that we cannot still give meaning to our actions. In fact, it highlights the opposite. Right now is the ideal time for information to be spread, as we bask in blue light and consume in pixels. As we continue to stay home, influencing the opinions of our family members who may not be so familiar with these conversations becomes more attainable. It is crucial to continue questioning our institutions in order to collectively challenge them. Take it further than an Instagram post or a Facebook share.
Actions you can take
Here are some ways that you can be a part of the #JusticeforFloyd movement (collected from various social media posts and internet links):
- Sign the Change.org petition to charge the officers for murder
- Or Text FLOYD to 5516 or JUSTICE to 668366 to sign
- Contact the Minneapolis District Attorney at 612-348-5550 to demand justice for Floyd
- Call Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at 612-673-2100 to demand justice for the murder of George Floyd
- Share this information to your Facebook
- Consider donating to Black Lives Matter, the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and/or the George Floyd Memorial Fund
While we all have the time to engage in the fight against institutionalized racism right now, it is imperative that we do not let this flame burn out after quarantine ends. This article is a broader call to action; my next article takes a more detailed look at the institutionalized racism that defines the American criminal justice system.
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Annabelle,
You posted a very poignant point. In order for us to fight again institutionalized racism is to get involved and use the forces of love and empathy to understand those who feel oppressed.