As we grieve the losses of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the five Dallas officers, I can feel this country becoming only more divided. It seems that as the Black Lives Matter movement works to achieve equality and create change, matters are sadly only becoming worse. We have innocent people being slain on both ends of what seems to be a battlefield, and America itself is being pulled in two different directions based on where they stand on this matter. I can feel the hate, resentment and tension in the air.
So I think it's time we all take a step back. Just pause. This isn't the first time this country has battled the apparent racial division that exists. This is why I think we could all be reminded of the words our Martin Luther King, Jr. preached to his followers, his enemies, the silent and the outspoken. He would want us to be reminded of what is important during these controversial and divisive times. He would want us to stop talking for just a second and simply listen.
1. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
No matter where you stand on these issues, remember that hate cannot win any battle. Hate will not win this war. It will be love, understanding, justice, and respect. Hate and violence will get us nowhere.
2. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
Until we come together as one united nation, we cannot create positive change. The hate, violence, and anger cannot stop until we start to see each other as working toward the same goal. We are not enemies, we are one. We should be standing together, rather than forming teams.
3. “Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.”
The violence needs to stop. This is not accomplishing anything. Seeking revenge will never bring about the answers and change we are all seeking. Violence is not how we are going to solve these issues and create a stronger, more just America.
4. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
You can hate, and you can hate, and you can hate. But that is not going to bridge the gap between people, it is only going to widen it. Racism (from both sides) is still a very real thing, we have so much further to go and hate is not going to help us get there.
5. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality … I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
We have come so far in recent decades. I myself was born into a world where I did not see color at all, people were simply people. That is more than can be said of other generations. But racism and racial inequality are still apparent today. However, this is not how it has to be. We all have to work to see people of different races as our equals and treat them as such. "Peace and brotherhood can become a reality."
6. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
Not only do we have to respect each other, but we have to start seeing each other less as enemies and more as friends. We need to take the time to understand one another as the person they are and the lives they live. Stereotypes from all ends need to be abolished so we can start learning the actual person behind the color of their skin.
7. “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
This problem needs to be acknowledged. We need to address the racial injustice around us and create change for a better America. People need to be held accountable for their actions and efforts need to be made so that all people can feel safe and respected in this country.
8. “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
The few never represent the whole. The stereotypes that go along with your race cannot define you because it is not about the color of our skin, but the people we are within.
9. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
We cannot deny the injustice around us. People are desperately calling out for action and justice for those who have suffered the injustices that exist. The people are crying out and they demand to be heard. It's time people start listening and work toward change.
10. “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
This is why it is so important to make it clear that violence is not the answer to this problem. In cases like these, it is nonviolence that strengthens the movement. The nonviolent will be heard, respected and taken very seriously. It is violence that is a losing battle — one that can be dismissed as a momentary act of hate and revenge. We need to focus on the roots of the issues here.
11. “The time is always right to do what is right.”
But especially, the time is now. I hope to see our nation's leaders stand up for justice and listen to the people who have trusted them to lead our country. It is also up to us to do right by the lives that have been lost to effect positive change when it comes to both police brutality and the treatment of innocent police officers.
12. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
It will always be easier to not do anything or to go about pretending issues do not exist. But it is vital that the people advocate for justice, equality, and overall respect. Moments like these... these are the moments that matter.
13. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Speak up! Voice your opinions, demand justice, don't give up, and work toward a better America. Work toward a truly United States of America. Do not let go of the things that are important to you. Do it for yourself, do it for your family, do it for Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the Dallas officers. Do it now, so the generations after us will never have to feel the tension, hatred and disrespect we feel in our country today.
