Comment répondre à Black Lives Matter ?

June 2020

par Dr Laura Lewis

I wasn’t sure what to say. Perhaps you have felt this way too. The reality of the extensive fracture of racism finally hit me, at a deep level. And I cried.

Racism, seen by all – a knee on the neck, a plea denied, and a life prematurely ended. Another thread in the dark cultural tapestry that has held people down and kept people out.

I have been listening, dismayed at my ignorance. I never imagined that so many Black mothers feared for the safety of their sons, or that a Black father would feel uncomfortable to walk in his community without his daughter at his side. Each day there is a deeper revelation of where we have failed, and where I have failed. My failure has not been to judge based on an individual’s skin colour, but rather one of omission – missed opportunities to create a world of inclusion and help correct the injustices. But now, I’m listening, and I’m learning.

Just yesterday, I listened to three Black women share their experiences with systemic racism. Their journeys were hard to hear and highlighted the damaging cycles and systems in our world. Yet, recent events have created more space for dialogue, and that is always a place to begin.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”  Maya Angelou

I hope that we will know better et do better.

I have heard many words of grace for those of us who have been culturally blinded by our privilege. I am grateful for the peacemakers seeking to bring change, access, and opportunity. I want to be included in this group.

May our words and actions reflect the truth spoken by the courageous leader Martin Luther King Jr. –

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.“

Today we stand with many others to proclaim this truth:

Black Lives Matter – during pregnancy, during childhood, during adulthood, always.

Brothers, sisters – let us love one another. For love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8