We Can’t Stay Silent
A student perspective on the recent events in Minnesota.
June 8, 2020
The tragic murder of George Floyd in the arms of police have left many feeling both horribly saddened and enraged. Another soul lost to the racism that is in our nation, and another soul taken from us way too soon. Haven’t we seen enough of this tragedy? Haven’t we seen enough Breonna Taylors, enough Ahmaud Arberys, enough George Floyds, and enough Trevyon Martins for us to finally see that enough is enough? That we need to step up instead of shutting up?
God calls us to step up in the face of injustice, to stand up for the oppressed and the weary hearted. Isaiah 1:17 states, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Ephesians 5:11 tells us to, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” When we stay silent on issues such as these, we become the inhibitors of the violence instead of becoming the prohibitors.
Jesus was never one to stay silent about the abuse and misuse of others. Instead, he stood up for the poor, for the needy, and for the oppressed. He loved all, despite their conditions, despite the hatred that many had for him, despite what they looked like, their race, or their gender. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
George Floyd was atrociously killed by a knee on his neck, even after he pleaded the words, ‘I can’t breathe’, Ahmaud Arbery was horribly shot and killed by two men while out on a jog around the neighborhood, and those men were arrested two months later. Breonna Taylor was disgustingly shot multiple times by police who came into her house, unannounced. Trevyon Martin was only seventeen when he was shot and killed near his own relatives’ home in 2012. When will we finally realize that we can’t stay silent?
There’s a time and a season for all things in life. However, whatever season it is, it is always the time to speak up against all racial and social injustices of this world. We are called by God to speak out against the oppression that the oppressed are facing, and expose the injustices not just in our own nation, but around the world. We cannot say we are Christians in name, but turn a blind eye to the inequality and racism that is around our world and presently in our nation. We cannot become bystanders and expect change to come into the world, but we need to become the doers of that change as well. Let us not let these precious lives become lost in vain. We can’t stay silent.
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Lisa Cillessen • Aug 31, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Chinwe–thank you for this article. I always reflect on the words of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel regarding silence: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must—at that moment—become the center of the universe”.
Thank you for using your voice.
Dani Flores • Jun 9, 2020 at 12:52 am
My name is Dani Flores and I am a graduate of the class of 2020! With the recent events concerning the murders of George Floyd and other black Americans, I feel it is my duty to speak to my fellow classmates and Holy Family community. Though I am not African American and do not wish to speak on behalf of our black brothers and sisters, I would like to speak to members of our community who may feel reluctant or lost when talking about these issues by offering my perspective.
I would like to start by saying that this issue needs to be approached with love. Regardless of your thoughts, solidarity must be the first step in having this conversation in our school, home, and work environments.
Almost two weeks ago, George Floyd died in police custody after being suffocated by a police officer’s knee on his neck. For over eight minutes, Ameircans watched this horrific act of violence from the comfort of their homes. After seeing this, I felt a call to action. Over the last week and a half, I have attended a number of rallies to be educated and stand in solidarity for victims of violence, specifically those of police brutality in the black community. While at these rallys, I’ve learned a few valuable things that I wish to share.
My experience attending rallies has really helped me understand the pain that so many people are feeling, directly and indirectly. So many communities of people have been deeply hurt by the effects of police brutality and racial profiling. This is no new issue. I can’t help but feeling some level of guilt for not understanding or taking time to listen to the problems that people in my own school may face. With that being said, I feel that the actions I’m choosing to take now will not only educate me, but help others by at least sharing my perspective.
I recognise that many people may not agree with the “political” aspects of what is happening. While many people are hesitant to show support, it’s important to realize that this is a human rights issue. No matter how you choose to engage or not engage, recognising the weight of what’s happening will inform your decisions.
The most incredible part of this movement is that it’s not tied to one specific person. It was powerful to see mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, aunts, and friends coming together. These rallies are organized by regular people in their communities, not just one organization. People of all ethnicities and creeds attend.
At a few of these rallies, a specific chant was recited. This was said once quietly to oneself, once louder to the people around, and once loud enough for the rest of the world.
This chant is :
“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and protect one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains”- Assata Shakur.
This is what our current situation boils down to. We must protect the freedoms each and every person is entitled to, and do so in a way that will encourage others to join us. Through the trials, tribulations, hurt, anger, and sadness, God has given us an incredible opportunity to unharden our hearts and see another person with the dignity God created them with. Christ was an outcast. May we learn from his example of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked to be a voice for those that have been silenced.
Action must be taken. Whether that’s attending rallies, reflecting deeply in prayer, having informed conversations, or listening to a friend in need, we must, as a community, not remain stagnant. Even in our school’s hall, hateful things have been spoken. Our community must actively work to ensure that every person is treated with dignity and love to create an environment of growth and harmony and live the way we were so brilliantly created to!
I pray the lord holds you close to his heart. Blessings of peace and joy to you and yours.
-Dani Flores, Class of 2020