May 25, 2020. A son, a brother, a father, fiancee, a friend, a community member was murdered. A life was cut too short. Time and time again, our news is flooded with the death of an unarmed BIPOC. With each death, communities are left feeling deeply saddened, angry, frustrated, betrayed, and in mourning.
These are historic times but sadly, they represent years of oppression and racial violence towards the Black community across Minnesota and the United States. Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Dante Parker, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Alston Sterling, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Michelle Cusseaux, Bettie Jones, Dominique Clayton, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. Elias Clayton. Elmer Jackson. Isaac McGhie.
Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie are three names that are many times not discussed in recent conversations...June 15, 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the murders of these three Black men who were falsely accused of a crime and lynched by a white mob in Duluth, Minnesota.
So much pain and discrimination has built up and has not been addressed. This needs to be addressed in order to heal and fight for justice and equality.
We cannot sit silently. We need to stand together to fight systematic racism, inequalities, and discrimination. If we sincerely wish to create a better future, we must examine our past and confront the problems within our society that have escalated over hundreds of years. This needs to be done in order to understand the events of today. By doing this, it will challenge ourselves and our community to not only take action, but to create an all inclusive society.
The work of a just and equal society is not done by one individual or by one group. However, if everyone contributes and works hard, together, we can do better. We MUST do better. Our future depends on this.
AdopteeBridge understands the unique experiences and challenges transracial adoptees may face when exploring their identities. At AdopteeBridge, we are committed to providing a safe environment with support and resources to the adoptees we serve and for our community during not only this difficult time, but throughout the year.
Stay safe, stay strong, and stay hopeful.