![]() ![]() It means that we must care enough to listen with our head and our heart – even when the dialogue is uncomfortable. And in these trying times we must show compassion, which means we suffer and struggle together. We recognize that our unique perspectives and attributes, if allowed to flourish, make our collective stronger. Our diversity, in all its wonderful forms, distinguishes and defines us. While we all are part of many communities, we share one community in common – the human community. And, I want to simply begin by inviting you to lean into a dialogue. I can, however, tell you plainly that I share your sorrow. I don’t portend to have the words to fully address the hurt that so many of you feel. For others, it is born from a sense of inadequacy of how and when to engage with true empathy. For others, it is a silence that is invoked for the sake of political correctness or a retreat from potentially contentious or uncomfortable dialogues. And, it requires those who are genuinely concerned to retreat remorsefully.įor some, it is born from the fear of reprisal if we candidly share the hurt and anger we are feeling. It requires those who are most directly impacted by these events to suffer quietly. ![]() Unfortunately, silence has many unintended consequences. It is often a deafening silence subverting the crucial dialogues that are required to bring us together as a community. However, far too often and for far too many, the response to discrimination is silence. It frankly would be easier for me to avoid this dialogue altogether, especially in the workplace. I offer this intimate perspective to give a voice to the silent pain that many of our colleagues, friends and neighbors are currently experiencing. ![]() While it would be unfair to suggest these incidents are reflective of the difficult and vital service provided by law enforcement officers across the nation, it would likewise be unreasonable to accept these occurrences as justified or unprejudiced. While handcuffed and lying prone – face down – on the pavement, Floyd needlessly lost his life as an officer kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, despite pleas from both George and onlookers. On May 25, three officers restrained George Floyd, a 46-year-old man from Minneapolis. On March 13, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African-American woman, was fatally wounded in her home by plain clothed officers who forcibly entered to serve a search warrant. On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot in Glynn County, Georgia while out for a mid-day run. Why am I sharing these personal experiences? Whether as a teen, husband, father or executive, there was and remains one inconvenient truth that loomed large in each situation: I am African-American. I neither said nor did anything to warrant such treatment. In more recent years I endured a similarly threatening episode with a police officer in my own home. This wasn’t the first or the last time I was a victim of discrimination by law enforcement officers. I hadn’t committed any infraction, not even a traffic violation. Where were we going? Did we live in the area? Where were we from? After looking over my license and registration, they brusquely sent me on my way. The officers then proceeded to question me. As officers approached the vehicle from both sides, they rebuked me for my presumed lapse of judgement. I composed myself and calmly exited my car to speak with the officer, when I realized he had un-holstered his firearm and ordered me back in my vehicle. Like most of my friends, my parents had given me several versions of “the talk.” In essence this addresses how to conduct yourself when, not if, you are stopped by the police. Nearly 30 years ago, while on my way to a movie with a date in a nearby Chicago suburb, I was pulled over by the local police. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |