First, he came for the Mexicans and I did not speak out — because I was not a Mexican
Then he came for the Blacks and I did not speak out — because I was not a Black
Then he came for the Women and I did not speak out because I was not a Woman
Then he came for those with disabilities and I did not speak out because I was not disabled
Then he came for the LGBTQ and I did not speak out because I was not queer
Then he came for the Poor and I did not speak out because I was not poor
Then he came and tried to destroy Democracy…
January 6, 2021 will be a date we should never forget. The attack to our democracy has never been so profoundly and bluntly violated.
Studies on hatred suggest it tends to persist. Prolonged hatred may lead to a desire for revenge or preemptive action against a perceived threat. Some people harbor hatred for others but never act on it. Others become energized by hate and express their feelings through violent acts which confirms what occurred on January 6, 2021. In my opinion, I view this attack as domestic terrorism.
My heart goes out to all the congressmen/congresswomen, senators, and their staffers for having to go through such dramatic experience. But please close your eyes for a second and realize that many diverse populations feel under siege and fear domestic terrorism daily because of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation, etc. in this country.
What do we do now, and start the healing process?
1. Now more than ever we must continue our intercultural growth and development at the organizational and community levels.
2. Our organizations must demand social justice and be willing to expose bigotry.
3. We must be part of the solution instead of thinking that systemic racism does not affect all of us.
4. Understand that systemic racism is not a black and white problem, but an “us” problem.
5. Get involve with organizations that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
6. Donate your time, talent and/or money to not for profit organizations that believe and respect human rights.
7. Most of all do not support individuals or organizations that promote hatred, racism and discrimination.
We now know how hatred looks like, for instance when George Floyd was killed on the street, when Briana Taylor was killed in her home, when Natasha Aposhian and Vanessa Guillen were killed at US military bases, when Matthew Shepard was killed for being gay, and when Capitol Hill was attacked on January 6, 2021.