09 Feb FEBRUARY is Black History Month
February is Black History Month, which recognizes many notable contributions of African Americans, or people of color in the United States. Often, we usually stop to reflect on celebrities that we all know and admire. However, for a moment, let us think about the unfathomable murder of Tyre Nichols, a young person of color, killed by 6 African American police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. This crime mirrored the death of George Floyd, who was also killed at the hands of police, but this time the police officers were white.
Tyre’s death is a reminder to everyone that even though we have come a long way in race relations – there is still so much work to be done. Although we have surpassed the Civil Rights movement, we still seem to be fighting for equal justice.
This month, please join me in celebrating Amanda Gorman, an American poet and activist. Let’s embrace a quote from Amanda, who is trying to move mountains to support changing one’s faith, character, and love by contributing a powerful level of knowledge to society in her poem –
The Hill We Climb:
“The hill we climb, if only we dare, it’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.”
“We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man.” Amanda Gorman
Until we can embrace police reform, and stop discrimination against all people, the country we live in will struggle to thrive. This February, for Black History Month, let us pray for Tyre’s family and all families who have experienced discrimination or disrespect and encourage accountability for one’s actions. Let’s respect and embrace everyone as human beings and celebrate our diversity.
At RiverSpring Living, we engage with diverse people from all walks of life. As Amanda noted, let’s “forge our union with a purpose.”
Laverne Murdock
Chair, IDEAL Team & Executive Assistant