Yesterday, I posted this statement on my social media feeds: I am wholly uninterested in a conversation about unity that’s not rooted in the unrelenting pursuit of racial justice. There were a number of people who commented across the feeds that “this is the only kind of unity there is” or “this is true unity” and while I can appreciate the sentiment, these are false statements. And as people committed to racial justice, I need you to know that it’s absolutely possible to be unified against justice.
Thank you, Austin!! I've been struggling with whether to attend the marches in my area because the police and very problematic sheriff have been invited to attend and march. I really WANT to make space for law enforcement who want to stand up and say "we are listening and reforming" (at the minimum), but their participation seems to water down the message to "let's all just come together and be unified". So your message was really helpful in pinpointing my discomfort with the whole thing. Thank you so much for your patient guidance.
I feel very emotional reading this. You remind me I need to listen to my gut and be wary of the grey areas. Thank you so much for putting it so clearly.
Really enjoyed this writing. The theme on what kind of ‘unity’ we have witnessed historically (from white people as well as it continues in our current police racial corruption evils) and how it provides a roadmap to understand what kind of ‘unity’ ones life is currently committed to is very thought provoking. Your perspectives can certainly impact positive course correction towards the necessary mission of racial justice. Thank you for your fierce courage and commitment. I appreciate all the work that you do and I am glad to be a part of your reading and thinking audience.
The two questions you’ve asked “Who does this policy help? Who does this policy harm?” are hugely helpful in thinking about existing policies. Thank you for them.
Unity
Thank you, Austin!! I've been struggling with whether to attend the marches in my area because the police and very problematic sheriff have been invited to attend and march. I really WANT to make space for law enforcement who want to stand up and say "we are listening and reforming" (at the minimum), but their participation seems to water down the message to "let's all just come together and be unified". So your message was really helpful in pinpointing my discomfort with the whole thing. Thank you so much for your patient guidance.
I feel very emotional reading this. You remind me I need to listen to my gut and be wary of the grey areas. Thank you so much for putting it so clearly.
Punch in the face, got it!
Really enjoyed this writing. The theme on what kind of ‘unity’ we have witnessed historically (from white people as well as it continues in our current police racial corruption evils) and how it provides a roadmap to understand what kind of ‘unity’ ones life is currently committed to is very thought provoking. Your perspectives can certainly impact positive course correction towards the necessary mission of racial justice. Thank you for your fierce courage and commitment. I appreciate all the work that you do and I am glad to be a part of your reading and thinking audience.
Thank you. I needed this. It’s good conviction and I’m grateful for it.
This is powerful. Thank you!
Thank you for articulating this so clearly and so powerfully. I’m sharing with my co-workers.
The two questions you’ve asked “Who does this policy help? Who does this policy harm?” are hugely helpful in thinking about existing policies. Thank you for them.
Thank you, Austin.