There is no better way to start this newsletter by being completely truthful about my current feelings towards the state of our nation.
I am saddened, angered, and outraged at what has happened in our nation.
First and foremost, I am saddened by the killing of African Americans due to police brutality. I am outraged by the constant injustice African Americans have to endure because of our broken legislative, executive, and judicial branches at all levels. I am saddened that our nation has been complacent* about racism until today. And today, I am writing to admit that I am one of the reasons to blame because I never took the time to understand and learn about racism.
Merely having black or Hispanic friends does not make me anti-racism. Racism is rooted in legislature and institution, which means, laws are made unfairly to grant advantage and superiority to a certain ethnic group. Without showing the deepest sorrow and compassion towards the disadvantage, and using my privilege to help them take another breath, I am not being anti-racism. I have been complacent*; I focus on being a fair boss and a good friend to everyone, but I fail to walk in black people’s shoes. I do not know what it feels like to be a black person. I do not know what it feels like to be racially profiled to the extent where physical harm is executed on me. And let’s not forget the Hispanic people who have been publicly taunted by our elected President.
I am angered and outraged by the spin that people have put on to change the narrative. Americans protest for injustice and brutality, not against the nation, the flag, and what the country once stood for. Stop worrying about the flag and protect its citizens. This is the exact reason why police brutality is condoned, the focus is shifted, and the wrong leaders are elected, and this is also the textbook play used by our armed force to maneuver the media and corrupt our minds. Ignorance is bliss, and we have chosen to be blissful over grieving for our loss; equality and humanity. Do not change and maneuver the narrative, because she isn’t and hasn’t.
I am taking actions, and I am very new at doing this. I am spending time to understand the structure of our government. The elected officials who matter the most in the immediate reforms in police department and criminal justice system work at the state and local levels. I have the privilege to stay home and do my research. I can pay for my internet and log onto social media. I have to start somewhere, and this is where I choose to walk the green mile with all the African Americans. And I hope you could do the same.
Last but not least, I am ending this letter with a few resources that I used today to start the healing process.
If you live in New York***, and are on board with me, please either call or e-mail the following senators or assembly members to urge them to repeal 50-a (A2513/S3695) fully, without any amendments or modifications.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senator, Majority Leader
Carl. E. Heastie, New York State Assembly Member, Speaker
John J. Flanagan, New York State Senator, Minority Leader
Joseph A. Griffo, New York State, Deputy Minority Leader
I chose to reach out to both majority and minority leaders because I firmly believe both sides need to hear what a person has to say about protecting humanity. It will be in his or her conscience to decide if he or she would like to protect basic human rights.
***If you don’t live in New York, please follow the same format, call your senators and assembly speaker in your states and urge them to reconvene and pass legislation that will end shielding police from getting disciplined and investigated for violating our constitutional rights.
If you are like me, who only has a basic understanding about civil rights movement (not talking about the literal movement back in the late 40’s to 60’s, but the overall continuous effort throughout the American history), Obama Foundation offers all the resources and information that you need to know about fighting for justice. Change is a journey and process, and if I can’t fall in love with the process, then results will always disappoint me.
If you have gotten this far, I thank you for your time and patience. I chose to change. I will not allow my children (I will be a father one day) to witness my complacency* and cowardliness. I stand for Black Lives Matter.
On the lighter note, on this date in 1992. When I need to take a deep breath, I look for sports highlights!
With much love,
Reggie
*Updates are made on 6/5/2020.
– Complacent has replaced Complicit from the original content
– Complacency has replaced Complicity from the original content