This is Not the Time to Normalize, but Mobilize

The following statement from The AntiRacism Institute regarding the Buffalo massacre provides a spiritually grounded context for substantively responding to the deadly forces of white supremacy. I pray it provides clarity and motivation to do that which is ours to do. -- Rev. Kurt

Saturday, May 14th, a racially motivated shooter killed 10 people and injured 3 other shoppers at a TOPS Supermarket in Buffalo, NY. Eleven of the 13 people who were shot are black. The media will report this in a series of predictable articles: the shooter’s background, stories about the people whose lives were lost, the neighborhood, social media, gun laws, the usuals … 
 
This is not the time to normalize, but to mobilize.
 
While legislation is needed, we cannot legislate away hate and violence. It requires more of us.
 
First, let us realize the pain of this unspeakable tragedy is different for people in black and brown bodies than for people in white bodies. 
 
People in black and brown bodies may see this through a lens of safety. It’s not safe to jog on the streets, walk in the parks, go to school, drive a car, help a black friend, and now – it’s not safe to shop for groceries.
 
Caring people in white bodies may ask, “How can I comfort those most affected by this tragedy?” and “How can I stop this violence from happening again?” 
 
From our common humanity, we grieve. We focus on Buffalo and mourn the dead. We imagine the empty seats, the pain felt by families who lost a loved one, the impact on the community, and neighboring businesses. We seek ways to comfort those immediately affected by this tragedy, and we pray for healing. 
 
To black and brown people, keep breathing. White people are waking up. Believe, yet again, in the dream of freedom, that it is possible for white people to genuinely care for what you need, and to stand with you in solidarity. 
 
To white people, it is time to learn some things that require courage. It is time for uncomfortable conversations and to learn how different life is in the United States for people living in black and brown bodies. It is time to be humble and learn what you don’t know you don’t know. It is time to learn history through a multi-cultural lens. 
 
We have yet to realize the vision declared for this nation, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (people) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” 
 
Let us declare Buffalo a turning point to transform this unspeakable tragedy to the tenuous steps necessary to make this vision a reality. For people living in white bodies, it is time to ask, “As a white person, what can I do?” 
 
Deborah Olive, Racial Equity Director
The AntiRacism Institute