To Whom It May Concern,
As a Canadian, black, female millennial, some might say that I am far removed from the injustice and inhumane actions that have been taking place in America. However, because I am Canadian, black, female and a millennial, I have the voice to call out for action and put pressure on those who can affect change. It is not enough to just sit in the safety of my home and watch the news and say “thank God that doesn’t happen here in Canada”. The brutality and death of young black lives might not happen in Canada, but racism still exists and is prevalent in a society that deems itself highly, yet lives as though history never happened and we are writing new chapters. Do we not learn as a people collectively? When will this all end?
I sit here and ask, when will the double standard end that my life or that of another brother or sister or POC is deemed not worthy to see another day? When does injustice stop? When do equality and accountability start to take place? I live. I work. I pay my taxes. I am a contributing member to this society, yet, the actions of others deem my life and those of my community not worthy of a fair fight. I ask you, how does my life or that of another mean less than yours?
Does the colour of my skin deem my life to be less than yours?
Does the colour of my skin make me less educated?
Does the colour of my skin make me so different from you that the blood in my veins runs any different to yours?
I am angered and disgusted by the actions of people who are in positions of power who continually do the wrong thing, yet, do not see them go through the process of being tried and convicted of crimes and receive punishment for their actions. Administrative leave and/or being fired from your job does not bring back the life that left this earth under the force and distress of a kneecap against his neck. It doesn’t answer the cries of my ancestors who fought so hard for a freedom that is constantly questioned.
To those in power, what do your actions teach the rest of the world? Do you believe in humanity? Do you believe that an injustice took place today? Do you stand behind the lost lives and the families who have to mourn, and put measures in place that hold those who did this horrible crime accountable?
Do you believe in changing history or reliving history?
George Floyd, your life is valid. Your last words are an indication of the ongoing injustice and struggle in this world that continually perpetuates the evils that have long haunted the beauty of our black skin. Your death is not in vain. You will be remembered.
Signed,
Black Woman
... S. xo