Moving Toward Healing from Decades of Systemic Racism

The untimely murder of Mr. George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hand of four Police officers, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have sparked protests and has reopened many old wounds that were caused by racial oppression. However, out of this bad situation, I can see the efforts of people trying to work together to have a better future for all people.

I have seen people from every race that is represented in Minnesota going out to protest against the killing of Mr. Floyd and the systemic racism that has negatively impacted people of color, especially Blacks.

Some of the unfair practices due to systemic racism include:

1. Noninclusive curricula in the school system which contribute to the gap in achievement for children of color
2. Underemployment of people of color
3. Overworking people of color more than other race of people who have similar jobs
4. Underpaying people of color
5. Incarcerating people of color at an higher rate and giving them stiffer sentencing when compared to the dominant group
6. The killing of unarmed black men 
7. Incarceration of children of color for misbehaving at school

The massive turnout of people that are protesting the senseless killing Of Mr. Floyd and the murder of other people of color is a move in the right direction. The unity of the people for justice for all is commendable. 

I have witnessed acts of kindness during this period of racial unrest. I have seen White people and Black people working together more than before. I have seen White people cooking and serving food during protesting. I have seen the coming together of many races working together for a better tomorrow.

Changes in policies in Minnesota include banning the use of chokeholds and require police officers to intervene against the use of unauthorized use of force and to report the officers who use unnecessary restraints. The University of Minnesota and the public school system have severed many decades of relationship with the police department. 

With all the recent changes we appear to be heading in the right direction with the hope of achieving  justice for all. I acknowledge that this is just the beginning of change and we have a very long way to go; however, I believe that the evidences of change that we have now indicate that working together can result in positive change.