Hello hello,
What an overwhelming start to 2021 we’ve had! I just can’t begin to describe the anxiety, sadness, and anger I feel in response to the events at the Capitol on 06JAN2021. The inequalities in our country’s treatment of protesters was on full display, and any doubt as to the depth and pervasiveness of systemic racism within this country should be totally erased. There’s one good thing coming out of this – Eugene Goodman, Capitol police office, is getting the public recognition he deserves. In the face of a armed, white mob, this black officer secured the safety of the Senate chamber. ICYMI: Eugene Goodman video: Capitol officer praised for drawing mob away (usatoday.com) In a fair and decent world, all the political figures in the Capitol should stop to think if they are doing everything in their power, through their votes and policy-making, to ensure equality for Eugene and everyone who looks like him. Sadly, we saw that’s not the case as just hours later, the vote to object to the Electoral College results resumed. smh
The startling differences between how the Black Lives Matter protests were handled this summer and this insurrection are appalling. The fact that we’re now looking for these people using photos and videos from the event should strike all of us as crazy. Why weren’t people arrested on the spot? On June 1, 2020, 300 Black Lives Matter protesters were arrested at the Capitol while on January 6, 2021, only 61 pro-Trump rioters were arrested.
As we turn our focus to the upcoming inauguration, I’m hoping that no more lives have to be lost in the facilitation of the transfer of power.
#blacklivesmatter #courageousconversations
-Jessica