When Tragedy Strikes

When tragedy struck the Black community in Buffalo, NY on May 14, 2022 it served as a harsh reminder of the intense hatred that still exists in this country. That hatred is fueled by racism and radical hate groups who encourage attacks on Black communities. The attackers carry out their heinous attacks in places where people are most vulnerable. Before the May 14 attack at a grocery store, another attacker targeted a Bible Study group at a Black church. What makes matters worse is that most cold-blooded killers who strike minority communities are never hurt or killed by law enforcement but are given their dignity and allowed to walk away and be protected.

When a tragedy like this happens, I always ask myself, how did we get here? How do we have people in our society who have such an intense hatred for a Race that they would plan an attack to inflict harm? Why and how does one develop the mentally to want to inflict on someone else?

What I do know is this tragedy requires more than just lip service from leaders and should call for more protection for those most vulnerable, including new laws, more security and surveillance, free mental health services, and funding for victims' families.

This is also another reason why Critical Race Theory should be taught in schools. If one has to be confronted with the truth of all that many Americans are trying to cover up, there could be an opportunity of healing. When we share knowledge, it gives us all the power to gain more understanding and develop empathy for all.

There is an opportunity to convict people with understanding and love by uncovering what has happened to get us here. In the end, love is what we all need most.