St Timothy Presbyterian Church

Vibrant church in Etobicoke, Toronto with roots in the Korean immigrant community.

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As a church, our mission is to be a compassionate community that stands in solidarity with the weak and vulnerable. This is how Jesus lived, and so should we. In this context, we stand in solidarity with black people in the United States and Canada, who face anti-black racism and its dangerous, unjust, and cruel consequences every day. Now is a time to look at and assess our own actions, and critically examine the society around us. Only when we see and confront reality for what it is, can we then begin the work toward justice, healing and reconciliation. We hope that this collection of reflections and messages can help you to reflect on and critically think about anti-black racism and its effect on black people.

Jun 09 2020

My Anger, God’s Righteous Indignation

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Introduction

“My Anger, God’s Righteous Indignation” is a podcast of Willie Jennings’ (Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Africana Studies, and Religious Studies at Yale; ordained Baptist minister) response to the death of George Floyd. Jennings shares his thoughts and gives insight into the current situation in America. Below, you can find the critical reflections of the summer interns on this podcast.

If you would like to listen to the podcast yourself click here.


Emily Kim 

I found today’s discussion and reading to have been interesting and revealing for me. Instead of looking at racism and the current events involving it from a human lens, I began looking at it from a more spiritual perspective. I never really took the time to “How does God feel about this.” I just assumed that of course God would be displeased, his own sons and daughters are fighting, killing and are unable to treat each other with basic levels of respect. Since I never reflected further on racism from a religious standpoint I didn’t realize how God’s displeasure and indignation could, and should, resonate within me and all followers of Christ.

The point about the correlation between hope and anger was something I’ve never realized before, but makes perfect logical sense. In order to want change you first have to be displeased with some part of the present situation. I guess hope is channeling that anger into a more positive outlet and perspective. I think anger without hope and optimism turns dark and spiteful. The statement that God’s indignation was more of anger + hope was very profound. We shouldn’t just settle for the world as it is but instead always be striving to improve and change, but without anger and passion, change doesn’t happen. Change occurs when radicals and trailblazers find courage to persevere and fight for the change that they want. This courage and strength is often rooted in passion for change and anger with the current ways.

The other point about how our current society has become very passive rang pretty true in me. It often feels like there are 2 extremes. On one side you have the majority of society who are content with living their own life and on the other the so called “social justice warriors” that often come across as overly aggressive and angry. I think because the SJWs come across so aggressive it almost turns off the rest of society from caring and contributing to change.

Also, it seems that the only time the rest of society ever speaks up about these issues is through virtue signaling or mob mentality. For example, cancel culture has become such a big part of social media and it almost seems like every day a new person is being “cancelled”. I never really understood the whole movement as it seemed really negative and harsh. It seems like people just jump to conclusions, label someone as racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. based off a few tweets from like 10 years ago and end up ruining a person’s lives. This doesn’t seem like the proper way to enact genuine change in society, it just scares everyone into avoiding discussing or voicing their opinions on any political or social issues. Isn’t the proper way to create change educating these individuals in a civilized manner? My belief on racists, sexists etc.. is that they are more victims of their environment then they are innately horrible people and should be treated as such. 

Caitlin Chung

From the time that I wrote my first reflection on the current situation to now, my perspective and feelings on this movement have changed significantly. After further educating myself, and reflecting on the article with the other interns, some things just made more sense, and it evoked a sense of calling inside of me. It motivated me not to simply want change, but to desperately, and impatiently want it.

Out of the all parts that resonated and stuck with me in the article, the man’s explanation to the use of violence really opened my eyes to the truth, and the reason behind it. My ignorance, and my sheltered life have made me believe that violence in any way should never be an option. What I understand now, is that some violence can be justifiable, especially if the group of people who use it have been victims of unjustifiable violence for centuries. They need a voice, and they have the right to release their pent up anger. A few other things that stuck out to me was how God is the only one who can give and take life. To think that there are people who believe that they can simply destroy life, is utterly monstrous. I was also moved by his statement that explained that other races can understand what they are feeling just by sharing that anger and by sharing that hope. 

On the topic of what I’ve reflected on after reading the passage and having a discussion with the others, I have many thoughts on how racism is still very relevant, yet hidden in way, and why we can’t change how people think so easily. When I think about when slavery was abolished, and they got rid of segregation, as much as it was very important in their history, the only thing that they were able to do, was put laws in place. They were not able to change the toxic mindsets of people, and that is why racism is still so relevant. It’s so difficult to change how people think, especially if they were encouraged to think that way since they were born.

Also, I thought that the part that Simon explained about hope was very interesting. Hope that seeks change, is what we’re after at the moment, and that’s why it ties in directly with anger. Right now, we’re not optimistic, instead we are brimming with shared anger for change, and that is keeping us hopeful and away from hatred.

My last paragraph will touch upon the topics of anger, and indifference. Ever since I started high school, I felt the need to find a calling in my life, and to feel motivated. Personally, I didn’t know how to recognize it, but when you explained that our callings are tied in with what moves us and makes us angry, I realized that it wouldn’t be so hard to find after all. About our anger, I already knew that indifference was much worse than anger, and it made me reflect on why I’m sometimes so indifferent, but also why my generation feels the same way as well. A few things came to mind, firstly, we are very narcissistic, and we’re so wrapped up in ourselves, that we don’t care for what happens around us. Most of us are privileged, and have never really had to fight for something because it depended on our lives. Plus, all that my generation does is live their lives in front of a screen. When all we do is stay at home, scrolling through social media, we never get to see or experience the troubles of this world first hand. We don’t care until we are victims of something that is happening, and it is very unfortunate, but something we need to change.

David Kim

When I first read the podcast transcript and read when Willie Jennings said “If you have hope, if you wish to be disciplined by hope right now, you need anger, it is the engine that drives hope”, I was at first confused and I didn’t see the relationship between these two contrasting emotions. When I think of hope, I think of yearning for a bright future and prosperity; hope is something related to God’s grace and brings out the best in people. In contrast, anger is often perceived as a negative emotion in which something wrong evokes this unfavourable reaction. Upon first reading I had trouble understanding how such a positive and uplifting motion could be driven by a negative and destructive emotion like anger. After our discussion, I realized that what I was really envisioning was optimism, not hope. Hope is the feeling and desire for a certain expectation or things to happen, it ultimately leads to change. 

To be angry means we have deep feelings for something, as anger ultimately comes from something we love. Maybe anger is a sign of love and shows how much we truly care about certain issues. Maybe anger is what you need for hope as it shows our desire for a better outcome and causes us to act out in ways that we feel will help bring upon that change. Maybe we need anger for hope because it is the engine that drives change amongst us. As I reread that quote by Willie Jennings I now understand and can truly connect to what his message is. When I look at the riots and protests across the world, I now see them in a new light. Before I was confused and appalled that so much destruction was the first reaction felt by millions of people. But now as I reflect on anger and hope, maybe this anger displayed is a final plea by those suffering for hope and meaningful change. They have been oppressed for centuries and have only resorted to this because of the years of ignorance and silence displayed by those around them. I pray that this anger evokes a reaction from those in power and drives hope within them so we can truly strive and lead to meaningful change.

Joel Kim

When I heard about the connection between hope and anger, I was confused, but it reminded me of this one time in this episode in Avatar: the last air bender a person talks about how there’s different perspectives to everything and that Fire isn’t the center of destruction and hatred, but that Fire means life and can create life. So I thought of another meaning to what he meant by “anger”. I thought as if people were angry not at each other but angry for each other as in fighting for each other giving hope to others to join the cause. Another thing is that I learned from other people is that anger isn’t a bad thing, and you shouldn’t let others trample you and anger from time to time to show how you really feel.

Lauren Lee

What is hope? Before today, I thought of hope in the sense of being positive, or looking towards positive things. But, as we discussed, that’s not what hope is – that’s optimism. I think it was these initial thoughts that lead me to not understanding why the discipline of hope requires anger.

As we discussed today, Christian hope is very different. The hope that we’re talking about is hope that seeks change. Today’s discussion made me think a lot about the society we live in, and how hard it is to have that hope that seeks change. I feel like the society we live in conditions us to be indifferent. Everything is about yourself. Society tells us: you must focus on yourself, you don’t have time to think about others, and you can’t make change happen. Like Simon said, I think that a lot of the time, we think we’re too busy with our own lives, and we’re usually faced with “don’t be so angry, just chill out” from others, when we do get fired up about something. We have the initial anger but our hearts aren’t moved. As I think about my own life and why things are this way, I think about how the experiences I’ve had and the general tone of being success-driven by society, have shaped me. I think being surrounded by people who just don’t seem to care has spread like a wildfire to others.

Our discussion also reminded me of our post-college bible study from last week. We talked about Jonah and his indifference, and how indifference is like poison to our lives, sucking away joy, passion, and love. When I think about what emotions and factors drive me, it’s a mix of the desire to help others, finding what I’m happy doing, and fear of not being able to find something stable so I can sustain myself in the future. I think that today’s study helped me see where God might be leading me. We’re called to be a prophetic community and to call out the truth when no one else will. I think we’re meant to become a unique voice in this world. It may often be a very lonely voice, like a voice in the wilderness, but I think that if we continue to think about how we feel, and become moved by it, we can really be that loud voice that brings change. I hope that we (I) can get past the barrier of refusing to take hold of anger, and use this opportunity to really become that unique voice for change in this world.

Sarah Choe

I do think that most of our generation is indifferent, and if they aren’t, a lot of them are fuelled by hatred, which discourages other people from associating with them as well as reduces their ability to actually impact others. For example, the feminist movement has many people who would probably be passionate, but to identify as a feminist and constantly be talking about it gets others to assume you hate men, assume you are rude, and dismiss you without listening to what you’re saying. Although I am weary of the temporary nature of social media trends, I think the reason it’s having such a big impact is that everyone is finally acting passionate about something, and it’s become acceptable. I hope that this attitude can continue and bleed into other issues like the environment, poverty, discrimination and injustice towards Indigenous people, and changing the education system.

I was pretty surprised when Rev Jennings talked about anger being necessary for hope. I had always seen hope and anger separately, however now I can see how the protests have brought hope because it shows how people have this shared anger. I think the reason that I, personally, don’t feel as much anger towards these issues is that I feel like I can’t do anything about it. As a young person who has not that much money and basically no power, I feel like I can only do so much to impact the world, and there’s just so many horrible things that even if I could help change one, the world would still suck. Things that are changing I’m happy for, but I feel as though I have no part in the change. The small amount of money I donated is exactly that, small, and I feel as though that’s all I can do.

This article made me realize how ingrained racism is in our lives. Our neighborhoods are the way they are because of racism, and if the places we live are defined by racism, then racism defines so many other things starting with our education. If you don’t get a quality education when you’re young, which is based off of where you live, then you won’t have as many opportunities when you’re older to do what you want. Racism has then reached into the future of people growing up in those neighborhoods. On top of that the police are more afraid of people than concerned for them, so there is no one to protect them. What can I do to change any of that? I think that is why I eventually run out of anger and give into indifference.

Paul Jang

The two main things that stuck out for me after reading the podcast was: How to approach this situation as a Christian, and the idea of rebuilding society from the ground up. 

Before reading the podcast, and even before listening to the vigil on Saturday, I had not really thought about how God plays into all of this. When they talked about God’s anger, this was a pretty unfamiliar concept to me. While you can definitely see God’s “angry side” more clearly in the old testament, it seems like in the new testament, his anger is not as apparent. I think due to this, I associate God with love, forgiveness, and safety. However, after reading this podcast I realized that God can also be angry, not because he hates us but because he loves us.  I feel angry at many of the racist white American citizens, not because I hate them per se but because of how their actions really frustrate me. In a similar way, I am sure God is watching from above, frustrated with many of my own actions, he doesn’t hate me, but is made because he knows I can do better than that. I also believe if these citizens are educated, they can realize the wrong in their ways. This leads to the next point that stood out which is how we must rebuild society from the ground up.

Like the podcast says, “geography is a racial matter”, and how the current society is built (especially in the United States) is an implicit way of oppressing the African American peoples. If you look at the poorest neighbourhoods in America, vs. the wealthiest communities, there is a clear difference in who is occupying what. And when an African American is in a place where they aren’t “supposed to be” it usually ends up escalating in some manner. I believe that there must be a massive police reform before any real change happens. There must be more training in the discipline of discharging firearms, complete retraining of police, and a stricter selection policy on who can become a police officer, (prohibiting those who are power hungry from becoming an officer). Even when we look at racism and geography from a wider scope, it is rampant in our world. Not only within a country but between countries. This may not be 100% accurate, but this is my theory of why people are racist: (because it just doesn’t make sense to me how someone can hate someone just for the colour of their skin.) racist people are those who have little understanding of those on the “other side”, often feeling threatened that by giving them more rights, they will begin to lose something of theirs, whether that be jobs, money, power, etc. Racists often take this “us” vs “them” mentality. And to be honest, I do not see a world without racism until far in to the future, perhaps in a time and place where people of all different colours live together, and have a shared culture. I kinda envision a community like the GTA, where various kinds of people live together. While it may not be perfect right now, I think as time goes on, and a shared culture is embedded into the hearts of the people, there will one day be a time where we don’t see people by the colour of their skin. 

I kinda got side tracked, but during our discussion, it did kinda surprise me that while I do know that all these things happening in the states are horrible, I don’t really feel angry or enraged, which is pretty sad to admit. To be honest, I don’t think i’ve ever really felt any emotions from seeing things on the news, it’s almost as if what’s happening on the news is happening in a different world from me.

Charley Ngo

After this discussion, I think I have a different perspective on the current context. When I read the very beginning of the reading where it talked about the deaths of those black people I felt really shocked and really didn’t understand how those things can happen. I don’t understand how people can feel that they had the right to take someone else’s life just based on the colour of their skin. It just doesn’t make sense to me. It makes me feel disgusted that people have such viewpoints. An interesting point/reminder that I read about was that God is the only one that gives life and is the only one who has the right to take life.

When I read the passage, I didn’t really understand the connection between hope and anger. I thought that hope brought positivity and anger brought destruction, but I think I was mistaking hope for optimism and anger for hate. But you need anger to have hope. I think anger is the driving force that gives you passion to want to make things change and the change is what you hope for. This anger is connected to the righteous indignation of God. This anger must be because of the destruction of life and it must be shared. If it is not shared and only one person has it then it doesn’t change anything. I wrote in my past reflection that I was sad to see all the anger people have, but now I think I understand it more. The anger is necessary. The hate however is not. I hope that this thing that is going on is because people actually care not because it is easy since so many people are taking part in it. I hope people actually care enough to want to continue to make change once it is over.

Another interesting point that I thought about is how we see police. I think it is very wrong that whenever there is a police around, the instant reaction is fear, even if you know you didn’t do anything wrong. I just think that it is so wrong that the people that are supposed to protect you are people that make you afraid. Even if not all police intend on doing this, it is just the image that has been painted for police. Maybe this fear has to do with their authority and keeping things in control, but I think that making everyone afraid will keep things in control. People should respect the authority of the police but not be afraid of them. I highly doubt that the fearful image of the police will ever go away, but I think it’s very wrong.

The last thing is that it’s so hard to hold onto anger. In this society, everything is just moving so quickly and with the fast pace of life a lot of the anger is temporary. It is forgotten very quickly, but so many things need change. When the question of: Do you get angry? Or what makes you angry? Was asked, I really couldn’t remember the last time I was angry and wanted a change made. Now that I think of it, recently I have been angry that people don’t care enough. This anger though, is not about any worldly issues, but about my own personal life. For that, I feel a bit selfish. The time before that, I was angry at all the things that people do that destroy the environment. I don’t think that I have been very exposed to social justice issues and I am trying to formulate an opinion.

Kaitlin Lee

As I mentioned in the discussion, I reflected a lot on the second half of the podcast where Willie Jennings talked about the three things that must be done. First, to take hold of the anger and have hope. Secondly, to address the shape of communities and lastly, to rethink the formation of the police officers. I thought about how there needed to be a lot of people who share this anger and hope in order to see change, otherwise nothing would come out of this.

I believe I was so interested in this part of the podcast because I never felt like there was anything that could be done. Often, when I felt anger, I did not feel hope because I felt helpless and powerless over social issues that couldn’t be solved by one person. After the discussion, I realize that it was because I felt that anger was not shared. It is definitely shareable, and there are a lot of different groups and organizations that focus on various problems in our world like world hunger, poverty, climate change, etc. However, it does not feel as though the majority of our society are there to support these groups and work together towards making concrete changes. It is as if only a small percentage of the population really cares and is engaging in the steps towards changing our future, and because the people around me seem so indifferent to these issues, it felt like my anger was not shared. When I felt this anger was only felt by me, it made me feel as though I shouldn’t bother worrying about it either because no one else is; just to focus on yourself. And truthfully, I have not done anything about the things I was angry about; my anger has just turned into indifference.

The end of the discussion was about our church’s mission to be a prophetic community, to be the lonely voice of truth in a society of indifference and ignorance. The first thing I thought about was the 52 Hertz whale and how sad it is to be lonely, but then I thought about Jesus and how lonely it truly is to be that one voice. I remember sermons or bible studies talking about how lonely Jesus must have felt in his days of ministry when there were so many people trying to oppress this voice. I thought about how it really is our mission to live in God’s image, that we need to be like him and spread hope? Bring change? Share the gospel? Serve and love one another? I feel as though it is any and all of these things. While I was reading the podcast, I was actually struggling to understand the part where Jennings said Jesus stands between anger and hatred, but now I really understand when he says that it is not hatred that anger should point to, but change.

Maybe our church community, along with those who we are standing for and beside, is enough. The people who are fighting for change right now and those who are supporting it, maybe these are enough people who share that same anger and hope that we could actually bring change this time. Perhaps the next step is to simply act – and if we are referring to Willie Jennings’ steps, we should start to change our communities and the police unions. But people are already starting to initiate changes with police unions. Which, I feel like for the first time, is a breath of fresh air that wow, maybe things are actually changing.

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Written by Administrator · Categorized: Black Lives Matter

Jun 07 2020

Let’s Please Speak Up!

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Let’s Please Speak Up
By: Jenny Kim

Hello friends, I posted this on Instagram a few days ago, but I meant to also post it here on FB. We have failed our black brothers and sisters by being silent for too long. It’s important to lend our voices as allies, because as we’ve witnessed, our silence can lead to violence and horrific consequences.

Like many of you, I have been devastated and grieving over the state of things in North America. It is a heartbreaking, enraging, and disturbing time, which highlights a centuries long history and system of oppression, racism, and brutality towards the black community, not only in America, but here in Canada as well.

This moment in time forces me to reflect about many things. As an Asian-Canadian, I have benefited from the persistent stereotype of the model minority. I played into this role for most of my life, being compliant and agreeable, in order to get by. Despite this privilege, like many POC, I have experienced racism in various ways – hurtful assumptions; derogatory labels; and micro aggressions in the workplace. On one end of the continuum, this is a daily experience in the lives of POC.

For black Americans and Canadians, these daily experiences of racism can so quickly escalate to the other end of the continuum as witnessed in the horrific murder of George Floyd. The phrase “I can’t breathe” should forever remind us of this terrible event for Mr. Floyd, his family, and all of humanity. Ironically, this is my visceral experience when I have the privilege to breathe and ponder upon the systemic issues of racism and oppression in North America. When George called out ‘mama’ in his dying moments, as a mother, it particularly moved and broke me.

All of this is to say that I know my words fall short. I understand that I cannot fully understand – but I will stand. I stand as an ally; I will do my homework; I will check my privilege and my biases; I will shed tears and experience rage alongside the black community. I will speak up to injustice in my workplace and in my community, even when others attempt to silence that voice.

To my fellow non- black POC and white friends: can we please not be afraid to talk about race? Can we please be ok with being uncomfortable and educating each other and challenging each other to do better? Let’s please talk and stand up as allies long after the dust settles on this time. Thank you. ❤️🙏

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Written by Lauren Lee · Categorized: Black Lives Matter

Jun 06 2020

Standing Together Vigil

Introduction

Standing Together was a virtual vigil that was held by St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church in solidarity with Black people who face disproportionate racism in the United States and Canada. The vigil took place on Saturday June 6th, 2020 with roughly 100 people in attendance. This event featured two guest speakers: Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse (Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Intercultural Studies at Knox College), and Rev. Paulette M. Brown (Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Humber Heights, Toronto).


Where is the Love? – The Black Eyed Peas

The video below was re-arranged to depict the current protests and calls for justice, and to capture the feelings and emotions of the recent Black Lives Matter movement.


Why We Are Here

On behalf of St. Timothy Presbyterian Church, I would like to welcome all of you to this online vigil. I am Simon Park, an associate minister of this church, along with the senior Minister, Rev. In Kee Kim and our other associate minister, Rev. Soo Jin Chung.

This vigil began as a humble event for our church members to come together and stand in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters who bear the weight of anti-black racism. It quickly spread, however, to members of other churches and those beyond. It indicates the deep desire to stand in solidarity.

The cruel death of George Floyd has set off an eruption of emotional response across the United States and the world. We are here partly to process and reflect on that shock.

The forces that have brought us here together, however, are quite unique. We are living through a pandemic unseen in our lifetimes. One thing this pandemic has made clear is the importance of life. It has made us look at life differently, and cherish life as the precious treasure that it is.

But recent events: Ahmaud Arbery, Christian Cooper, Breanna Taylor, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, and most notably the death of George Floyd, have brought to the forefront of people’s consciousness the reality and depth of anti-black racism. It has brought to life the sinister reality of racism that would degrade the dignity of life. This consciousness has unleashed a raging hunger for justice.

We see that life cannot flourish without justice. A flourishing life and justice go hand in hand. When justice is choked off, life is choked off. 

Last Sunday was Pentecost: it marks the beginning of the church, when the Spirit breathed life into it. But we can’t breathe. 

When there is injustice, the Spirit cannot breathe in us. The Spirit gets choked off. Life gets choked off.

Why are we here? 

To listen. To stand in solidarity with the black community. To confess, repent and seek a new way forward. 

Let us begin this vigil with utmost humility, asking our God to lead us toward justice and life.


Reflection by Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse

Good evening!

Today I say, brothers and sisters, to say that I have been angry is an understatement. I have quarrelled with God, and talked at length, and walked my house, and raised my fist to the heavens, and demanded things. But, I am also a theologian, and a psychologist, and I think that in this time, anger is our best friend. Anger is our best friend. So, what does it mean to talk about our anger and God’s righteousness, and ask of God justice, when we know that scripture says that our anger does not work the righteousness of God? And yet, I’m beginning by saying how angry I am, and how for me, anger is my best friend. So, why are we here? And why have you gathered to, as it were, as the song we began with said, stand in solidarity with people like me?

I have a black son. I cannot tell you what it means to live in a racialized world and have a black son. You carry your heart in your mouth everyday, your body does not know what rest is, until they have returned home. Many years ago, when Ferguson happened, Duke asked me to write something, and I ranted, and you might find it online, “To Mothers of Black Boys, and All Who Love Them” is what it’s called. But, then I look at my own story, a simple girl from Ghana in Africa, whose first self consciousness was not of difference. I didn’t grow up thinking someone was different from me, or others based on skin colour. I came into the United States, or North America as we want to say it, when I was 34, and yet, today, what psychologists call ‘allostatic load’, is my lot. Your body doesn’t know rest, the wear and tear on the body which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated chronic stress is what we call ‘allostatic load’. What some of us are feeling, in this period of pandemic, a few months, is what an African American lives with every day. 

I ask myself what it means to be human, and to live with other people whose humanity is dependent on their interrelation with you. If you live in helplessness, that forms you for hopelessness everyday. What it makes of you and who you really would have been, but for this racialized living. And what it means for the other who interacts with you, who knows themselves only in association with you. Who would they be if they accorded you full humanity? So, who are we?

I started by saying that in this season, anger is our best friend. There are abiding characteristics of anger that are righteous and lean into who God is, if it is about life. Life at the very core of God’s being, who made us in God’s image. If my anger is because someone is messing with life, then it leans into who God is, and what God cares most about. So in this case, this anger is right. But, we also know that it is right when it is shared, like you gathered on this platform to share in our anger. If you can feel even a quarter of what I feel as a black person, then this is not wrong anger. In that sense, anger is what helps us through tribulation. When scripture talks about tribulation, which we try to bandy around, you know, we all do trials and tribulation, it is actually when the history of your life is trying to make mincemeat of you. The grinding constant pressure is what we call tribulation. And anger, like hope, becomes your springboard for pushing back and saying no to this thing that comes from the pit of hell. 

So, why are we here? And, why do Christian people want to stand in solidarity with people who may not be related to them? I think the answer lies in our scriptures. If we believe in creation rather than evolution, then we know that all of us are made of God. To live in a racialized world, and not mind, is worse than blasphemy because it says that even if God made us, God made some people better than others. That is already a serious theological problem. But, the worst part of it is that it says that if God made all of us in God’s image, then God has good parts and bad parts: good parts that made certain kinds of people, and bad parts that made certain kinds of people. Sit with that for a minute. 

Why are we here? And why do you want to stand with me? I can tell you horror stories of being followed by cops, of walking through Harvard with a few friends from Boston, and when I say I go to Harvard, somebody would say Howard. I assumed, “Oh, it is my accent.” Four years later, I get to D.C, and realize that there is a school called Howard, which is for black people.

That which says that there is certain space allotted, for a certain kind of people, and that certain people that we have put in a little corner somewhere should stay where they are, and if they move even a millimetre towards where we think they should not be then we will react. That is what is showing up in the killing of Floyd and, the worst for me, Amy Cooper, letting you know that when I call the cops, they know what to do.

I have to say this so that our being together is also a real being together. If I am walking with an asian, just by virtue of skin colour and hair they trump me (no pun intended). It means that this kind of racialized existence that has been carved erroneously by some white people has been sold in other places and they bought it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a Korean Beauty Store in the US and gotten the eye and the following, just in case I might steal something. And then even in my own country, people who are lighter than me are considered prettier. 

This is why we are here, I hope. To share this anger, to help fight justice. Not for Floyd, not for me, not for any black person that you know, but for the truth of the gospel. And I know that the Church has work to do and it is more than able to do it. Because we have someone who came in a body that is closer to mine than a white person’s body. Who knows how to mediate anger so that it does not turn into hatred. And if we lace our anger with God’s righteous indignation against racism, against dehumanization in any form of any people – even though the Black African female is the lowest of the low on that totem pole of who is who – then we can get work done. And I hope this vigil is only a beginning. I have sent a picture to Simon to share on the screen to give us a visual of why we are here and why the anger that is escalating everywhere today.

1700 to now. This is why we are here. The 1700s, 1920, 2020. Until we do something this is us. Unless we are tacitly saying that this was not made in the image of God. May I say again, that is my son. Thank you.


Prayer of Confession, Repentance and for Justice

Let us pray.

Dear God,

We as human beings are your delight. We were entrusted to take care of this earth and each other. But we have failed.

Here in Canada, those in attendance at this vigil, for the most part, have benefitted from the systems and institutions that constitute Canada. We have been grateful for the benefit that these systems have conferred onto us. But we have turned a blind eye toward those to whom this system has not been good. Those to whom our institutions have systematically treated with less dignity, less fairness and even cruelty. We are reflecting specifically right now on our black brothers and sisters.

The majority of us have bought into the notion of Canada as a nice, fair and generous country for all. When told by voices on the margins that not all this enjoyed fairness and generosity, we met those voices with shrugs, disbelief and even denial. The shield of the myth of Canada’s niceness has been difficult to penetrate.

We may have heard of, and even gone so far as to acknowledge, that there is anti-black racism in this country, but if we are honest with ourselves, we never paid much heed to it. We prioritized other issues as more important. At its core, we did not want to look at race, and in particular anti-black racism, as a problem for us here in Canada. 

We have been like the priest or levite, who may have seen the injured Samaritan, but passed by on the other side. We have passed by on the other side of our black brothers and sisters who regularly have corrosive and insidious racism inflicted upon them. We have passed by as we tucked them away into neighbourhoods that we never venture into. Forgotten and out of sight. Forgive us for our blindness, denial, ignorance and indifference. Help us to seek a better way. Help us to be a neighbour.

For our church of St. Timothy, born in the Korean immigrant community, we too have confessions to make. In our colonization, being victims of global geopolitics in the Korean War, to the hard years of immigration, our psyches have been damaged, and we have been a fearful people. We should have been the first ones to understand the plight of our black brothers and sisters, and the first to join in solidarity with them. But in our desire to escape from our powerlessness, in the grip of fear, we sought acceptance and embrace within the economic and social power structure to find our sense of security and safety. We exerted all of our energies to be accepted within that power structure. In doing so, we pledged all of our allegiance there. To the very systems that exclude and inflict damage on our black brothers and sisters.

Yes Lord, we gave allegiance to that system. We became complicit with it and internalized the views and opinions of that system. We conferred legitimacy only to the voices of that system. In our fear and insecurity, we turned to power, and turned away from the voices on the margins. We confess these sins as we allowed our fear to drive our actions.

We all pray for repentance. To turn around and face those on the margins. To listen to their voices. To see them. To know them. 

It is long, hard and difficult work. Help us oh Lord to examine our hearts, attitudes and biases honestly and critically. Give us the courage to face our prejudices and our indifferent or hostile hearts when it comes to our black brothers and sisters. We pray that our current sentiment not just be an emotional wave we are riding, but a commitment rooted in your calling for us to be stewards of human dignity for all. 

We pray for justice. May justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. Justice that is love personified in our society. For only with justice can life truly flourish. 

May Your Spirit move within and through us to bring about healing and change. May you heal the hearts of our brothers and sisters rent apart by death and indignity. Beginning with our hearts, then into our thoughts and actions, may we then be humble partners and stewards of your justice and love.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen


Guest Speakers

Rev. Dr. Esther E. Acolatse (Ph. D Princeton Seminary), is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Intercultural Studies at Knox College, Toronto, having joined the faculty in 2017. Originally from Ghana, where she was born and raised, Esther is a life-long Presbyterian, and has previously been Assistant Professor of the Practice of Pastoral Theology and World Christianity at Duke Divinity School (Durham, N.C.) since 2010. Recently, she became an ordained clergy within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr. Acolatse graduated with a bachelor’s degree (with honours) from the University of Ghana with a religion and psychology major, followed by a Master of Theological Studies degree from Harvard University. She then earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Esther explores the intersection of psychology and Christian thought, with interests in the gendered body, methodological issues in the practice of theology of the Christian life, and the relevance of these themes in the global expression of Christianity.

Rev. Paulette M. Brown (B.A., M.Div.), is currently serving at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Humber Heights, Toronto. She was born and raised in Jamaica before emigrating to Canada in 1983. She graduated from Knox College in 1991 and began her life of ministry. She served University Church for 8 years where she developed the Created For Life youth ministry as a response to the violent and premature deaths of black youth in her community (She received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award for her work on that mission). From 2008 to 2014 she served the Presbytery of East Toronto and developed a mission for newcomer families at Gateway Community Church. Rev. Paulette Brown has also served internationally as a keynote speaker for the Presbyterian Women’s Gathering, gender consultant for the World Communion of Reformed Churches and a member of the writing team for the Council for World Mission.

Written by Lauren Lee · Categorized: Black Lives Matter

Jun 04 2020

My Story of Privilege

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

This is a long read but I hope this helps with the conversation that is happening in the US and all over the world. This is a true chapter of my life…written from my heart to yours.

My Story Of Privilege
By: Bob Kim

A gun was about a foot away from my face. A cop car drove right in front of me and I almost hit him head on but my Ninja reflexes allowed me to stop in time. Two cops ran out guns blazing with their flash lights yelling at me and my close friend Tim Clarke to stick out our hands out the window in our neighbourhood at 3 in the morning or so.

That was the scenario that played out. I was calm and relaxed like I usually am but my friend Tim who is also usually calm and relaxed was panicking and was as white as a ghost…and he is a black man. It was at this moment I realized…and not at that time sadly…it was because I was not black.

I know most of you are saying of course you’re not black Bob! But if you really know my story blackness runs deep in my core as a person. My closest friends growing up were either black or brown. Being asian in a predominate black and white neighbourhood…you tried to fit in wherever you could. For me it was the dark skinned kids. They embraced me. In turn I embraced them. I embraced all of it. The music, the clothing, food and their vibrant culture. I was young and impressionable. Yes the white kids liked me but I didnt feel that free love I got from my dark skinned brothers and sisters. All my life I had to learn what it means to be asian…but through it all, I am still a brother with Gold skin. I have matured into my own asian skin but like the saying goes…you can take the man out of Rexdale but you cannot take the Rexdale out of the man.

When the cops rushed us, fear was not something I even thought of at the time even with the barrel of a gun stairing me in the face. I realized just having a black state of mind didnt change the colour of my skin. I always wonder what would have happened if we were both black men. How would our lives played out. I am not saying all cops are bad but the way those two cops ran out their cars, they were super jacked and I could see it all going down hill now. That’s what I think about when another black man gets killed senselessly by a cop.

My asian privilege saved us that day…I honestly believe that to this day. Asian privilege may not be as strong as white but it does have its privileges. I always say asians are the chameleons of all the races because we can usually fit in because we are usually seen as non threatening…especially if you have no accent. Being Asian was the card I was dealt and I am appreciative of the privileges that comes with it. However we all need to help all those around us with no card…I am talking to all my Asian peeps. Racism does run rampant in our community and if you think otherwise then you are just lying to yourself…i can try and justify the racism for all asians…but at the end of the day…racism is racism.

I am going to steal a quote from Monty William’s who is a head coach in the NBA. He borrowed a quote from CS Lewis recently that really made me think. He said “you can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

I hope everyone can start the change in some way. That start is trying to understand those who you fear just because they are different from you. It really is that simple to me. It’s easy to say but so hard to do for many, i also struggle sometimes too because racism is ingrained in all of us from such a young age. Black peeps have always gotten the short end of the stick in pretty much every culture…let’s change this ending. Together.

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Written by Lauren Lee · Categorized: Black Lives Matter

Jun 03 2020

Reflections on the Current Situation

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Introduction

 In light of the current Black Lives Matter movement in the United States and Canada, the summer interns have written reflections regarding their knowledge and thoughts on the current situation. We hope that these reflections allow us all to think and reflect more critically during these times.


Paul Jang

From seeing all that is happening in the states right now, both on the news and social media, I am feeling pretty hopeful that things will change for the better. Although it is a sad reality, black people in the United States have historically had to fight for their freedom and rights. While change does not occur overnight, it is a good sign that people are taking notice of the black lives matter movement. After years of being systematically oppressed, and feeling like their voices are not heard, people have had enough. Now that their voices are being heard, hopefully this will lead to substantial change within society.

However, I do not feel like this is the end of the road for black peoples fight for equality, I believe it will take much more time until people of all colours are treated equally. As I see countless videos of police officers using unnecessary force and even instigating fights with peaceful protestors, I think there must be a massive restructure on how policing in the United States is handled. From the selection process, to training, and making sure police in the field are held accountable. I really do not understand what kind of training they had or even how these officers were raised leads to the many acts of unnecessary violence I see. It really is unbelievable to me that so many people, especially police officers, can hate another man just for the colour of their skin. Are these orders from higher up authorities or are these the individual actions of racist cops? One thing that interests me is how the anonymity of the police in riot gear plays a part in the violence we see. It seems like all sense of accountability disappears when they put their gear on. To me, it feels like these officers lose their sense of humanity after they put their gear on. It just does not make sense to me how you can harm other people for no reason. I pray that these protests are not in vain and that the black lives matter movement is not another social media trend. 

Lauren Lee

It’s hard to express exactly how I feel right now in words. But, I think the feelings that come to mind during the current situation in the States are feelings of unjustness and hopelessness. Hearing about unarmed people being killed just for the reason of being black or “being a potential threat” or whatever other excuses people make for the crimes committed is unfathomable. I can’t understand how people can be like that and instill harm towards others – especially those in authority positions like the police. And I can’t get it around my head why our world has to be like this. I don’t understand how people in authority positions are choosing to handle this and respond. I don’t understand how people believe that they’re entitled or better than others just because of their race. I don’t understand why racism is still so prevalent in today’s society.

During these times, I can’t help but feel helpless because I don’t know what I can do to help the situation. I will never know what it feels to be in their shoes. I watched a video of black families the other day. The parents and grandparents were explaining their experiences and how to go about in a situation with the police to their children. It hurts to see that they have to live with this fear and learn these kinds of things in the hopes of being safe. I believe that it’s times like this where we really need to come together.

I’m happy to see people becoming more aware of the situation through expressing their thoughts and sharing resources on social media. I’m sure there are many people who are sincere in their sharing and thoughts, but, I also had a question of how many people are just posting things, retweeting, and participating because they want to go along with others and feel out of place or like they’ll be judged if they don’t. If those thoughts and feelings aren’t their own, then are they really contributing and helping to make a difference? I feel like it can quickly turn into something that comes and goes – something that’s done without much thought.

I believe that this movement is a step towards making change, but I don’t think it will happen right away and I’m not sure to what extent things will really change. People need to be educated and they need to be made aware. There needs to be change systematically. People’s thoughts and beliefs need to be transformed and changed. But how can we do that together? I’m not too sure… I don’t think violence is the answer. But, I do think that a big thing that we can do individually is just pray for healing, pray for justice to overcome, and spread love to others. 

Emily Kim

Considering everything that is going on in the states but also worldwide, I have many thoughts and feelings ranging from hopeful to hopeless.

I’m hopeful because it seems as though long awaited change is finally in motion. Like the popping of a bottle cap after being under too much pressure, all the pent up anger, frustration and fear is rushing out of the black community, and their allies, in a wave of protest and violence. Seeing people of all colors, age and privilege come together, united, under a single goal of equality and love has been enthralling. There is something beautiful in seeing a young privileged white man yelling and holding up a sign reading “black lives matter”. It makes me believe that perhaps genuine equality is not just a goal that humanity must forever pursue but something that could become a reality.

When reading about equality issues I will often come across the belief that by our intrinsic nature humans’ will always segregate from those different then themselves. That it is almost in our biological makeup to be racist. Now there could be some truth behind this, but present events have once again strengthened my belief in humanity. Whether it be from a good upbringing, environment or education, there is living proof that the number of allies in the Black Lives Matter movement has grown exponentially, and I think that should be celebrated. People will often remark that “it feels as though society has not progressed at all” but I believe we have. Society as a whole cannot change overnight but the evidence of change is alive and well in the new generation of people who believe in equality and love for all.

Saying this, there is obviously much darkness in our current situation as well. In my opinion, violent protests were almost bound to happen, regardless of their original intent. With the center of the outrage being Police Brutality, having all the protests monitored and controlled by that same police sets the stage for tension and aggression.

The thing I don’t understand is the state of anarchy that has ensued from the protests. It really made me reflect upon human nature as I watched individuals on the news smashing windows and filling their pockets in the midst of a fight for equality. How can some people’s first reaction to this situation be for self serving gain? Not to solely condemn the people of color doing the looting, because all the looters – regardless of race -are detrimental to society, I can’t comprehend how they are able to fill their pockets as people on the streets literally fight for their rights as human beings. It makes me think about the political theories of government and human nature. The sad reality may be that without any clear authority in place, people will turn into savages. That the only things that deter people from stealing, destroying and committing other crimes is the fear of authority and jail. I have always believed that humans are inherently selfish but perhaps it is worse than I once thought. Can humans really be naturally malevolent? Am I? I like to believe that I wouldn’t ever harm anyone or destroy things purely out of desire but perhaps it is just my privilege of growing up in a safe and sheltered environment that stops me.

I also wonder how much of the violence and looting can be attributed to groupthink and conformity. Are people just getting caught up in the thrill of being part of the excitement that they have not taken a second to think logically? It is hard for me to comprehend how people can logically explain the destruction they are causing. Maybe they are telling themselves that it is all for a good cause and are twisting their actions and situations in a self serving bias.

I don’t think I will ever understand but I hope that all this destruction is not in vain. That society will accelerate its journey to equality instead of brushing it aside; because what a shame, what a waste of effort, anger and people’s lives it would be if nothing changed. 

Sarah Choe

During this pandemic, the feeling of helplessness has been multiplied. Although many of us feel for what Black people are going through and would like to contribute, social distancing makes it harder to feel like we are making an impact. Racism and violence are huge issues, and when we are so isolated, it’s hard to feel as though we can fight them at all. When I think about what happened, I feel disgusted. How can murder happen in broad daylight? We are so lucky that we have the privilege not to ever fear for our lives every day.

This event has also made me recognize my own privilege as a ‘cool’ Korean person whose stereotype is to be and do good for society, while Black people get killed because others look down on them and hate them because of their race. The cop who killed George Floyd has had complaints about him in the past. He is known for being violent, however, that did not stop him from killing a man. Were there no consequences for his previous actions? Why is this so clearly unjust? How can one man have so much power over another? The response to the video shows how many people feel the same way and it is good to see how many people have gone to social media and peaceful protests to show their support. Even today, there is a protest in Waterloo to show support for Black Lives Matter. Many people have donated and encouraged others to do the same.

My fear is, however, that this won’t create real change. Riots have given people a reason to dislike and undermine the movement, and previously opposed people have also become present once more. In addition to this, social media has its downsides. Posting stories and images is good for spreading awareness, but at this time, where most people already know what’s happening, it is action we truly need. My fear is that supporting Black people will become nothing more than a trend or something others can use to validate themselves. “I post on my instagram, therefore I have done my part” is what some might think. However, by posting on our personal accounts, we cannot reach those whose minds we need to change. Those who are still racist, have prejudice, or are comfortable with how things are right now.

I am also concerned that this will remain a trend when it comes to politics. Will people present a front just to gain votes and then half-ass truly tackling the problem when they have the opportunity? Will people still not register and vote when the time comes? I am conflicted on how to feel at the response to George Floyd’s murder. I am hopeful and uplifted by the response but at the same time, I worry that a lot of it is or will become superficial. Superficial does not create change, and we definitely need change right now. 

Kaitlin Lee

Currently, I feel the same anger and grief over the situation occurring in America. I feel that although responses to events/tragedies that occur regarding racism have become much louder and supported by a larger assembly, I wonder if there are any real and effective changes since the beginning of African American history. It is frustrating that events like this still occur, stemming from pure injustice. I wonder what people can do that would permanently be able to end racism and change those who are hateful to see through a different perspective.

I also feel guilty that there is not much action I can do as an individual that will bring upon big changes, and I feel even more distanced because of the COVID-19 situation. I feel guilty that I am not really taking action while just sitting safely at home, which I realize is a very great privilege, but I feel as though me joining a rally would not change anything. The protests are very uplifting to see, that society recognizes the issue of racism against the African American community must change, but I feel as though that is not enough. The awareness and support is wonderful, but there needs to be active changes or there would be no difference if everyone was silent. I don’t know what I can do right now, but I hope that this action will lead to something that will change the perspectives of the racist citizens, that they may see that everyone is equal and worthy of love and respect.

When I first heard of the news with George Floyd, I actually didn’t look into it right away. The first thing I thought was, “Another hate crime?” And now, thinking of this, I wonder why our world is the way that it is, that these kinds of events occur so often that this is the first thought I have. Why does racism exist? How can people be so cruel to racially discriminate against others and how have we let this happen for so long? Why can’t we just fix the issue?

Joel Kim

I don’t completely understand the situation in the Black Lives Matter movement, but from what I have been told from my friends and social media there are videos of groups of people gathering up protesting against the government what they believe in and want change, but there are also videos of groups of people that intentionally cause harm to the innocence and generalizing all police officers and assaulting them. They also have the intent to ruin the meaning of the Black Lives Matter Movement which mind boggles me that these people are justifying what they are doing is right, when all they are doing is setting everyone back to the start. From what I know, the American government isn’t helping that much either, and all I can say from this is that I can’t fully understand the pain or the fear that my friends in America know, I hope I can help them by being there for them I guess or try to find a way to help them.

Another thing that kind of disappoints me is that over few hundred of years of these movements from the past yet they are still being oppressed and some people never change or still think they have more power just having a different skin color or being a police officer, but police officers are to serve and protect the citizens yet they cause pain and suffering to them, and I know this isn’t all police officer but there still some out there that abuses their power over other people.

David Kim

In light of the magnitude of recent events, its hard to really describe all the feelings and thoughts I have into words. At first I feel anger and injustice, and as I see the division and hate amongst the people I feel a sense of hopelessness. Watching small businesses (who are already suffering so much due to COVID-19 and represent the last dying thread of the American Dream) get ravaged and looted just breaks my heart and makes me think “Is this really the only way that a message can be truly felt across the world, is this what society has come to?” In 2020, more than 150 years after the civil war which includes the history of great leaders and change brought by MLK, Malcolm X and the civil rights movement, we would expect racism to no longer be such a prominent issue and it’s disturbing that it is this way.

Looking back on the history of the civil rights movement brings a wave of pessimism as I think “Was all of their sacrifice and change for nothing?, why is this still a huge problem in our so-called “progressive society?” But as I begin to reflect more, I realized that maybe an equally important issue is the mindset of the people. If we all feel hopeless and feel that our voice and actions are insignificant, how can real change be brought forward? I strongly believe that real change starts from the bottom up and starts with us, the people. Change won’t happen overnight and it won’t be easy in any means, but as long as we the people have hope and really push for meaningful change, I am optimistic that real progress will be made.

Charley Ngo 

I don’t fully understand or know about the whole situation in the US. A part of me wants to just stay away and not look into it. However, I know it is important and change needs to be made.

When I first heard about what’s going on, I was completely shocked. It’s hard enough dealing with this pandemic and it’s hard to believe that something like this has happened. We were supposed to “get through this together” and with all the violence and rioting, it feels like a step back.

With everything that society has gone through to fix the issue of racism, I feel like we’ve progressed a lot and these issues shouldn’t come up. Yet it does. When things like this happen I start to question how far we’ve actually gotten and all the hard work that people have put into this movement are just wasted. It’s really sad to see all the anger and hate that people have. While violence brings great attention to issues, it’s hard to tell if it’s really the right thing to do with all the destruction that has been done. I think that there are so many different sides and reasons for the violence that it’s hard to tell who is wrong or who is right. Everything is kind of blurred. It’s hard to filter out whose voice really needs to be heard and who is just doing it because.

Caitlin Chung

When people are faced with adversity, hate, and injustice, it only makes sense that they need a voice to stand up for what is right. Everybody deserves a voice, and sometimes, the only way that people will listen to you is if you fight and scream relentlessly. During these current circumstances, the amount of destruction is unbelievable, and simply out of control. Yet, this makes complete sense. Years of pent up anger, holding back, and systematic racism and oppression against people of colour have transformed peaceful protests into war zones. Although, the police are causing just as much chaos. This also begs the question of how everything started in the first place. How did this begin and how did we come to this point?

If we go way back into the times of slavery, it seems as though entitlement, and a disgusting/greed-filled mentality were the beginnings of this entire situation. It simply doesn’t register in me how people are raised thinking that they are better than others, not based on intelligence, physical attributes, accomplishments, or finances, but simply by the colour of their skin.  How do we really evaluate a person’s value, when we are all so alike in the end. Abolishing slavery was one thing, and putting laws in place for the rights of people of colour is another, but changing the mentalities of people raised in a hostile environment, is a completely different topic.  Of course, people can have their own opinions, but when they interfere with people’s lives, it only does harm. However, they’re not easy to alter, perhaps if they were put into the position of being a victim of racism, maybe they’d understand. Or, if we gave them love, will they finally change then? 

On the topic of how people are responding to these circumstances, I am quite happy to say that many people are joining the movement virtually and they’re trying to raise awareness. When I think about what I’ve done so far, in one way, I feel worse than if I had done nothing at all. I’ve been posting black screens, posted things about the movement on my story, and signed a petition on Instagram. Although, at the same time, I hate doing things without a drive or meaning. I feel like I’m doing this to not feel guilty about not being fully involved, and it genuinely seems like an act that people are doing for the sake of doing it. I know that’s it’s wrong to contribute to the movement and lack a sense of purpose, but I’ve been struggling to understand whether I should just not do it at all. But, that seems like a worse idea. I simply want to become more informed and have a deep sense of empathy so that I may suffer with them.  

On the other hand, many people are responding in dumb and ignorant ways, saying, “All lives matter”, instead of helping the ones suffering at the moment. They are trying to disregard the importance of the movement, selfishly making this about them, and making their issues less significant.  Of course all lives matter, no one is saying that their lives don’t, and when people say that during the black lives matter movement, they’re implying that everybody has the same issues based on their race when that is not true at all. 

In the end, not everybody is a horrible and ignorant person, but the ones who are, need to be educated and understand that their mentalities are toxic. Violence is not the answer, but fighting back is one of the best ways to implement change. In the end, sometimes, we just need to learn how to love again.

This is a post in a series of reflections for the Black Lives Matter movement. To read other reflections, please go to the Black Lives Matter page.

Written by Administrator · Categorized: Black Lives Matter

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