I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
I remember saying this pledge of allegiance daily all throughout elementary, middle, and high school. I had little to no concept of injustice, discrimination, or racism….at least not on a systemic, institutional level.
Once I attended university, both undergraduate and undergraduate, there was no such pledge of allegiance. In fact, there was nothing to recite daily. I don’t know exactly why that is BUT it could be because the older students become the more they know. Perhaps we all learned after high school that there wasn’t liberty and justice for all. On the contrary, many marginalized groups, people of color, black people would and do continue to face injustice.
Today is Day 2 of the trial for Derek Chauvin. His name may not be familiar to you, but I’m sure George Floyd rings a bell. Derek Chauvin is the former police officer on trial for the murder of George Floyd. I find that people are referring to this trial as the George Floyd trial. I want us all to put an end to that. Derek Chauvin is on trial!
Testimony kicked off with Donald Williams, a MMA fighter who made the 911 call. He got emotional as he listened and remembered that day. He felt that he saw excessive force based on his skills as a fighter.
The next testimony was given by 17 year old Darnella Frazier, and her little cousin who is 9. Both gave their testimony off camera, consecutively. You could feel the pain and hear Darnella voice crack as she began to cry. She stated how she has stayed up several nights apologizing to George Floyd for not doing more. The bravery and strength in these girls is beyond inspiring and left me in awe. I’m deeply saddened and impacted by what these black girls have had to do today. I haven’t processed it and really hope they get all the healing, peace, and love they need.
Can you imagine as a teenager recording the death of someone? Not only did Darnella witness a man pass away at the hands of a cop, the video went viral being seen by countless number of people and changing her life forever.
I don’t want to deceive you. I didn’t watch the trial yesterday and have no intent to remain current with any fidelity. I only watched today in solidarity of the black girls having to do something very tough today. I wanted my eyes and heart to send love and light their way. Why am I not watching the trial? I’m glad you asked. I have reached my full capacity when it comes to these things. I cannot take another slave movie, black trauma image, trial, or etc. I have little to no faith that he will be found guilty. There have been videos in the past, testimonies in the past, evidence in the past, and etc, that have all led to non-indictments, acquittals, or verdicts of not guilty.
Let your Justice for all Light Shine!
Raise Your Light 