“…with liberty and justice for all.”
This is how the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance ends. However, as I sit and reflect on history and the current events of today, I’m reminded that this is not the reality for all citizens. There are certain groups of people who are treated unfairly and inhumane as well as disadvantaged by discriminatory and oppressive systems due to things such as the color of their skin, socio-economic status, gender, beliefs, etc. As a nation, we have allowed things such as hate, biases, and ignorance to divide us and cause certain groups of people to feel that they don’t belong. This grieves my heart, and as a black American I can relate to some of these experiences and stand in solidarity with others who haven’t been privileged enough to fully experience liberty and justice in this nation.
The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, in particular, are evidence that our country still has a long way to go in terms of addressing inequality and injustice. Unfortunately, events like these have become recurring in this country; but my hope is that the recent deaths of these individuals will serve as catalysts to dismantling systemic racism and unraveling the threads of racial and social inequity that have been weaved throughout the fabric of this nation. To accomplish this, however, we all have to play an active role in shaping a future where all people are loved, respected, and treated fairly.
This will look different for everyone, so don’t feel like you’re not making a difference if you aren’t actively protesting or publicly expressing yourself the way others do. I say this, because there were moments when I felt this way and even felt guilty as a black American for not doing some of these things given recent events. However, I eventually came to the realization that we are all unique individuals with different ways of expressing ourselves, advocating for change, and supporting people who are victims of injustice.
For parents, this may mean raising your children to love and respect all people regardless of their race or background. For business leaders and HR professionals, this may mean fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within your company, where all employees feel supported and have equal access to opportunities. For influencers, this may mean using your platform to bring awareness to issues and inspire others to use their voices. For therapists and counselors, this may mean using your expertise to support and bring healing to people dealing with trauma, depression, anger, etc. For artists and creatives, this may mean using your work as a medium to express your viewpoints on racial and social matters. For allies, this may mean reaching out to someone to let them know you stand in solidarity with them and seeking ways to actively support. It doesn’t matter who you are, we all have a role to play and can inspire change within our sphere of influence. All we have to do is show up in a way that is authentic to ourselves.
A few common things we can all do is set aside some time for reflection and self-introspection, to listen to and engage in conversations that allow us to better understand the experiences of others (or on the flip side to have the courage to share our stories, experiences and perspectives), and to educate ourselves on important topics and issues. This has been the posture I’ve taken over the past few weeks. I’ve devoted time to reflecting and engaging in dialogue. I’ve also begun a personal journey of educating myself on black history – a history that we were not fully taught in school – as well as policies, practices, and institutions that shape our social and economic systems. Knowledge is power, and I desire to use this knowledge to help me find my voice as it relates to certain matters, to advocate for change, and to inform the way I vote and invest my money. I believe these steps will also help me clearly identify the role(s) I desire to play in driving positive change within my sphere of influence.
As I continue to seek meaningful ways to advocate for change, one call to action that is clear to me, especially as a Christian, is that I am to love others. Jesus told his disciples in John 13:34-35,
“…I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
For those of us who are believers and followers of Christ, our actions should reflect God’s character. God is loving, kind, compassionate, righteous, and just; and we should exhibit these characteristics in our interactions with others. This doesn’t mean that we will always like or agree with everything someone else believes, but we should treat everyone in the same manner we desire to be treated – with dignity, kindness, and respect – understanding that we were all created in the image of God and no one is more superior than the other. God has also called us to fight for justice – which is evident in the following scriptures:
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” Psalm 82:3-4 (NLT)
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:27 (NLT)
As I mentioned before, we all have various roles to play in shaping a future where all people are loved, respected, and treated fairly. So I encourage you to take time to figure out what that means for you and take action. As individuals, we may not be able to single-handedly change the world. However, if we collectively do our part, we can create significant change. And hopefully one day, we will all be able to proudly recite the Pledge of Allegiance, because we will all know and experience what it means to live in a nation that provides liberty and justice for all.
Be encouraged,
Imanne