Hey y'all -
I'm writing tonight with a very heavy heart, and I'm seeking action, compassion, and support.
If you follow the news at all you have probably seen in the last week the upheaval in the South after a grand jury failed to indict a police officer for the murder of a young black man, Michael Brown. Today another white police officer in NYC walked free after unduly choking a black man, Eric Garner, to death. All of it was captured on video, and yet the grand jury found him innocent. These two murders are just the instances making the news.
I identify strongly as an anti-racist and a white ally to people of color. Right now I find myself enraged, deeply saddened, disappointed, and terribly confused by the continued ignorance and unjust actions of the systems we uphold that make decisions about our lives every day, on the streets and in the courts (cops and judges, y'all). As a white person who cares deeply about dismantling the systematic racism and injustices in our country, I'm struggling to understand how I can appropriately and constructively make a real difference, or at a minimum show solidarity and support to people of color everywhere, and to the black families who lose so much every day (did you know a black person is murdered by a cop, security guard, or vigilante every 28 hours?).
I can no longer sit, privileged, in rural VT, without at least starting a conversation about this in my community. So I'm seeking common ground with fellow white allies or those sympathetic to this issue. I am confused about how to move forward as an ally right now, so I'd like to propose what feels right to me: I will be hosting a candlelight vigil at 8:30 PM this Sunday. For 30 minutes on Sunday night I'd like to very intentionally create space for those compassionate to this cause to come and send positivity towards Ferguson, MO, New York City, and black lives everywhere out into the ether. Let's make space to discuss, mourn, and relate, and to celebrate the power of people coming together to combat injustice. Even a prayer or good intention is a righteous step in a healing direction.
Please join me on Sunday at 8:30 PM in front of Dunbar Hall at Sterling for a candlelight vigil to celebrate life, mourn recent deaths, and seek clarity in a confusing time. Everyone is welcome.
In Solidarity,
Lou
Oct 22, 2024, 5 to 6 PM
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