June 14, 2020
During the last few weeks we have witnessed an overwhelming public outcry over the senseless murder of George Floyd. For far too long the Black Community has faced prejudice, injustice, discrimination, double-standards, and persecution.
And yet, the Black Community and experience has profoundly influenced every aspect of American Culture, from music, fashion and art - to law, science, and philosophy, to sport, design, cuisine and religion.
The diversity of our blended culture, and the depth and range of our experience, is what makes America strong. Our history has been far from perfect, and in some cases, downright deafening and cruel. But, our capacity and ability to change is part of the American Culture.
Our founding fathers recognized the need to facilitate change through assembly and petition. The First Amendment, passed as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791, enshrines these ideals: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
In order to be a more perfect union, we must stand together as a nation to support our Black Communities, to help right the wrongs of centuries of oppression while we recognize the history and also celebrate the cultural contributions.