May 25 marks two years since George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police. Its the nine minutes and 29 seconds that sparked an international movement for racial justice. Political leaders vowed change, businesses across the globe committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and many others, including some at the University of St. Thomas, began having important conversations about what it means to be anti-racist.
At this two-year mark of George Floyds murder, members of the St. Thomas community shared their reflections about what this day has come to symbolize and where we are as a society.For some university leaders, including incoming Interim President Rob Vischer, the day was further magnified by the tragic events that unfolded a day earlier in Uvalde, Texas, where a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School claimed over 20 lives.
Rob Vischer made the following statement about both events:
"The Christian author Henri Nouwen wrote, 'I am beginning to see that much of praying is grieving.' Today, we have so many reasons to pray, and to grieve. On this, the second anniversary of George Floyds murder, our community mourns anew for the young lives lost yesterday in Texas, mere days after the racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo. Words fail us, but the heaviness of our world is unmistakable. Please show grace to one another, and to yourself."
Others around campus also shared reflections.
Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative and Distinguished Chair and history professor at St. Thomas:
We, as a country, have made great gestures: countless statues of people like Thomas Jefferson, Christopher Columbus, Confederate leaders and others who have supported racism have come down in cities all across the country, but the real work is still ahead. The reopening of the streets around George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a site that had been symbolic of healing, is problematic because it is that desire for a tragedy with a happy ending that always sets us up for getting off the exit ramp before the work is done.
Americans have a very short memory and we find ourselves in this endless cycle of these abuses. Whether it is the passage of a piece of legislation, the outcome of a criminal trial or the creation of some organization, many will assume the work is done and not invest deeper. Now is the time to lean in and think differently about how we address issues of housing and education and access to affordable health care and things that often drive people to crime. We need to spend less time figuring out how we go after the so-called criminals and put more focus on the issues that are helping perpetuate the lawlessness that people see in their communities.
I was moved very much by Jerry Blackwells summation in the Chauvin trial last year where he talked about the bouquet of humanity that came together that day to plead for George Floyd's life and these were people from all walks and different races and different cultures who recognize that something was wrong and spoke out in that moment to try to protect George Floyd. I think we have to adopt that as our motto. In this community we need to be the bouquet. Whatever spiritual gifts or talents, expertise that we can bring to conversations that can translate into tangible action that's what we need to commit to.
Kenneth Cooper, director of the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows & Excel! Research Scholars Programs:
The execution of Mr. George Floyd remains among the darkest events in American History. The tragedy should have led to massive legal and social reforms, but Blackness remains under attack in our country. How can we stay optimistic with efforts to suppress Black voting rights, ban affirmative action in higher education, keep Black youth in dilapidated school systems, and make grocery shopping a life or death event? Our allies must move away from safe spaces to brave places if Black liberation matters. Their efforts must be intentional and perpetual. Black folks in America cannot achieve true freedom and enfranchisement unless those with the power want to create the same outcomes.
Professor D. Todd Lawrence, director of English Graduate Programs; and co-director, Urban Art Mapping Project.
"I don't know what to say on a day like this, so I thought, I'd read a poem."
Father Joseph Taphorn, Saint Paul Seminary rector and vice president:
As we reflect on the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, which occurred just a few miles from our university, it's important to remember a fundamental truth that binds us together as a human family: That God our Creator loves each and every one of us and that His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, came to set us free from sin and death. Racism and senseless violence are opposed to the new life that Christ promises us. Sadly, such violence continues to mark our world; we now mourn for those innocent children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas, whose lives were taken just yesterday. The sober anniversary of George Floyds death today and the recent news from Texas remind us of the need for ongoing conversion in all of our hearts to eradicate hatred so that together we may stand to defend human life and dignity.
Dr. Sadaf Shier, associate chaplain, Campus Ministry:
My husband and I visited George Floyd Memorial a few days ago. The memorial reminds us that the knee on George Floyds neck has dehumanized the entire humanity. It reminds us that we have forgotten that we all are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve and that the sanctity of human life and human identity is priority over all boundaries of race, religion, class, nationality and gender. Less than a quarter mile away from his memorial is memorial cemetery Say their Names that symbolizes the graves of all those beloved Black men and women who were killed due to racist police brutality.
When I looked at these memorials, the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be Upon him] came back to me with new meaning.
O people! Listen to me very carefully, your Lord is one, Listen to me very carefully, your father is one. Listen to me very carefully, an Arab has no preference over a non-Arab; neither has the black any preference over the white (or red) and nor has any white (red) over the black, save piety. . . . (Blessed Prophet Muhammad Peace be Upon Him during his farewell Hajj sermon in 632 A.D).
I felt as if Adam and Eve were asking us, Why on earth do you discriminate against your own siblings? These beloved Black men and women (and hundreds and thousands of others like them) who have been slaughtered by the racist machinery of society are asking us this question, Why are you treating your own kin like this?
I need to hold myself accountable for my inactions and silence. Let us ask ourselves, How can we prevent our own implicit biases and the implicit and explicit biases of others from doing injustices to our fellow human beings?
Kevin Henderson, DEI Fellow in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and associate professor in the Management Department at the University of St Thomas Opus College of Business:
On the two-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, I am reflecting on the work that still remains. A police officer kneeling on the neck of a Black man while other officers did nothing made it painfully obvious that the Twin Cities is not immune from racism. People of color already knew this, of course, but now the ugly truth was there for all to see. Two years later, I worry that the urgency that was present has softened, with other more pressing issues drawing our collective attention. On this anniversary, I pray that we recommit to the systems work that must be done to continue to move toward a more diverse and equitable world where the dignity of all people is respected and affirmed.
J. Phillip (Phil) Rosier Jr., PsyD., LMFT, a multicultural counselor in the Counseling and Psychological Services Center for Well-Being:
As I reflect upon the Anniversary event of the murder of George Floyd, I cant help but ask myself What has changed?Daunte Wright and Amir Locke are just a few of the deaths that have occurred after the killing of George Floyd. In addition, there have been hate crimes forged against Asian Americans, African Americans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community as a whole. We have met some success with expressing our concerns about these incidents, ensuring that some police officers and perpetrators of hate crimes are punished for their violent acts, but in the area of policy change we still do not have police reform, or effective gun laws. I am sure our inability to implement policy changes had an impact on the killing of Amir Locke and Daunte Wright and made it easier for mass shootings fueled by hate.
Policy changes seem to be difficult for us on a local level as well. On a local level, we have done a great job of expressing our concerns by acknowledging the transgressions against communities of color and difference. We have increased opportunities for dialogue, we are more aware of the toll these incidents have on our student body and staff, and we are forging new opportunities like the Good Trouble Scholarship, which help honor the needs for advocacy and change. It seems like the hardest part of preparing a society, community or school for fairness, equity and Inclusion is implementing policy, laws, and processes that protect the student body from inequity.
I would like all of us to reflect on our own departments and communities at St. Thomas and ask the question: Have I had uncomfortable discussions about policy change? Have I faced my fears and feelings of uncomfortability to change processes at St. Thomas? This is one way to honor George Floyd because I am sure it was uncomfortable to be unable to breathe for 9 minutes and 29 seconds under the knee of Derek Chauvin.
Read more here:
- Intentional Community and Capitalism - Shareable - April 10th, 2024 [April 10th, 2024]
- How alternative communities have evolved from pacifist communes to a solution to the ageing population - The Conversation - March 12th, 2024 [March 12th, 2024]
- Georgia Power Announced T. Dallas Smith named to Georgia ... - All On Georgia - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- CSRWire - Thought Leaders Gather for Critical Community ... - CSRwire.com - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- EPA centers diversity with first-ever environmental youth advisory council - Yahoo News - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Rigor, Relevance, & Reality: Education Collaboratory at Yale ... - Yale School of Medicine - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Gaza: UN experts call on international community to prevent ... - ReliefWeb - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Fathering Together Announces Acquisition of City Dads Group - PR Web - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Company to pay over $50 million in largest environmental lawsuit settlement in D.C. history: Health risks to the public - Yahoo News - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Student death is now part of the routine at Middlebury - The Middlebury Campus - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- We welcomed an abandoned dog into our family. But dog dumping ... - Kansas Reflector - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- The National Climate Assessment Goes Woke - Dallasweekly - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- A Conversation about History, Race and the Meaning of True ... - Philanthropy Roundtable - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- The color of community | WORLD - WORLD News Group - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Kindness has good benefits | News, Sports, Jobs - The Review - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Georgia Power Foundation awards grant for BIG Edge ... - Georgia Southern University Newsroom - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- "Chilling": Maryland lawmakers threaten to cut aid to immigrants ... - Salon - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Three water options come with high cost | News, Sports, Jobs - Evening Observer - November 18th, 2023 [November 18th, 2023]
- Welcome to the Team, Kintan! | Office of Immigrant Affairs - Philadelphia Water Department - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Fannie Mae Recognized for Its DEI Efforts - DSNews.com - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Fannie Mae Named 'Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion' and ... - Fannie Mae - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Focused on progress - Weekly Challenger - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Good Ancestors and Messengers of Hope - Digital Journal - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- 'Make it intentional': 3-N-1 Trinity Services helps young ... - Longview News-Journal - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- 'Latinistas' is the World's First All-Latina Fashion Doll Line - hiplatina.com - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- CSU Releases Findings of Three-Year Research Study on NAVA'S ... - InvestorsObserver - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Press Ganey's Physician of the Year on a cardiology 'game changer ... - Becker's Hospital Review - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- City Officials Join Summer Campers and Local Artists to Kick Off ... - Philadelphia Water Department - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on Communication for a Summer of ... - Digital Journal - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Feathers installed as Rotary District Governor | News, Sports, Jobs - The Inter-Mountain - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Theatre at St. Luke's: All Shook Up to The Little Mermaid - Orlando Sentinel - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Culture wars rage on, forcing marketers to decide whether to ... - Marketing Dive - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Some thoughts on governance of the local variety - Resilience - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- 988 is saving lives, but more awareness and support needed - Alton Telegraph - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- The Limitations of Eco-Anxiety | Atmos - Atmos Magazine - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Welcome Back: How JAPER Becomes Real for the People in Brazil ... - Just Security - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Now Is the Time to Go All In on Heat Pumps - Rocky Mountain Institute - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) celebrates 40th ... - Elizabethton.com - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Discrimination or bureaucracy? A Jewish community in Germany ... - The Jerusalem Post - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- AAP Rules And Guidelines For How To Keep Kids Safe From Cars - Fatherly - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Pine County Sheriff's Report and Jail Roster | Communities ... - Pine City Pioneer - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Is a Hanan Ben Ari concert the solution for Jewish divisions? - opinion - The Jerusalem Post - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- What the LGBT wedding website Supreme Court ruling means for ... - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Out at CHM hosts its first 2023 event - Windy City Times - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- 'The time is now': Longtime friends launch support organization for ... - The Lawrence Times - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- La Vergne Receives Municipal League Award for Excellence in Fire ... - rutherfordsource.com - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- UW System offers status update on its five-year strategic plan (day 1 ... - University of Wisconsin System - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Hawaii Native Krystal Ka'ai Tackles Equity And Anti-Asian Hate For ... - Honolulu Civil Beat - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- News & events / News - Diocese of York - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Businesses that address social or environmental problems often ... - The Conversation - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- EFOC: Is This Happening To Me Because I'm Black? Combating ... - Essence - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Stations Telling Diverse Stories With Sponsored Segments from ... - Next TV - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Ex-Prisoners Face Headwinds as Job Seekers, Even as Openings ... - The New York Times - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Bungie weighs in on the current argument raging through the ... - PC Gamer - July 6th, 2023 [July 6th, 2023]
- Myanmar: Dire humanitarian and human rights situation ... - OHCHR - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Invest in our public schools - EdNC - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- N.Y. stands up for LGBTQ equality: Having Pride 12 months a year - New York Daily News - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- NASCAR, Bubba Wallace bring 'Bubba's Block Party' to Chicago - Daytona Times - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Fifth Third's 2022 Sustainability Report Shares Progress on Priorities ... - InvestorsObserver - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Top LGBTQ+ Financial Influencers to Learn from in 2023 - Investopedia - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- 'Retirement is so traditional,' try periodic retirement to figure out ... - Morningstar - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people brings federal ... - New Mexico In Depth - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- The Astounding Power of Intentional Productivity (And How You Can ... - The Good Men Project - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- What SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action means for UL schools - Louisiana Radio Network - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Community managers find the path for developers and players to ... - VentureBeat - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- The EPA was ready to clean up 'Cancer Alley.' Then it backed off. - Grist - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- What Bidenomics Means for Workers and Families - UpNorthNews - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- The vital link between a healthy press and our republic - The Fulcrum - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Death, Drag, and Decadence shows off the queer joy of DnD - Wargamer - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Israeli Expats in the U.S.: 'I Speak English, but I Don't Speak American' - Tablet Magazine - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- NTSB hearings end with talks on tanker conditions, fire's aftermath - Marietta Times - June 30th, 2023 [June 30th, 2023]
- Can 'Friendship Clubs' Cure the Loneliness Created by Remote Work? - The San Francisco Standard - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- 'Men in Blazers' Podcast Comes to Higher Ground to Talk Vermont ... - Seven Days - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Mindfulness, breathwork expert preaches value of slow living to Black and brown communities - Yahoo News - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Idaho's physician shortage is here. Here's what we can do about it. - Idaho Capital Sun - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- Awards Ceremony Shines Spotlight on Caltech's Trailblazers in ... - Caltech - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- The African American Museum of Iowa Announces Juneteenth ... - River Cities Reader - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- US Supreme Court Rules Against Striking Drivers Who Abandoned ... - Engineering News-Record - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- The Future of the Thomaston Green is Green (or should be) - PenBayPilot.com - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]
- The Elephant in the Ethernet Port - City Journal - June 4th, 2023 [June 4th, 2023]