by Dr. Denise O'Neil Green | June 22, 2015 4:00 AM
While I listen and watch different newscasts and the read plethora of reactions to the horrific Charleston Church Massacre, terrorist attack and hate crime, I feel I need to contribute my own voice.
As I thought about this task, I became speechless and numb. Our collective struggle, suffering and victimization as Black people continue to be embedded in the DNA of the country.
While I think so many racial issues and narratives, such as Black love, forgiveness, white supremacy, the confederate flag, oppression, healing, Ferguson, and political resistance, are being voiced, I agree with President Obama that this has happened way too many times and should not be accepted as “the new normal”. Gun violence needs to be addressed. “It is not enough to just show sympathy,” said President Obama.
Unfortunately, gun violence in America is as much a part of the country’s fabric as racism.
For the last couple of years I’ve been living in Canada. Many people have asked me how I like living in Canada compared to the United States. There are many reasons I can give but what is paramount to me is the presence of stronger gun control laws and therefore, less gun violence.
Canada is by no means the promise land; and it’s not immune to racism and gun violence; however, as a country and society, there is not the same level of violence and incidents of mass shootings. Pepper spray is even an illegal weapon.
When I think of the Charleston Church Massacre, I have the haunting, lingering question:
Will America ever get this right and learn that Black Lives Do Matter?
I look forward to your responses below*, and I'd love your input.
If you have the time, please watch President Obama deliver the eulogy Rev. Clementa Pinckney:
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