Racial Violence

A student has left Gettysburg College after a racial slur was etched onto a student’s chest, school officials say | CNN

This whole situation at Gettysburg College is truly disturbing. The fact that a student was targeted with a racial slur being carved into his chest is beyond comprehension. The use of the passive voice in the headline downplaying the severity of the incident is concerning. It’s not just a scratch, it’s a deeply traumatic act of violence.

The response from the school is even more troubling. The victim being removed from the swim team, the lack of immediate action towards the perpetrator, and the attempt to downplay the incident are all signs of a failing system. A ‘zero tolerance’ policy for hazing that punishes the victim is unacceptable.… Continue reading

Biden to designate the site of 1908 race riot a national monument

As I sit to write about President Biden’s decision to designate the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois as a national monument, I can’t help but be filled with conflicting emotions and thoughts. The fact that such a significant and heartbreaking event in our nation’s history isn’t widely known is a stark reminder of the deliberate erasure of certain narratives. It’s unsettling to realize that there are countless other instances of racial violence and oppression that have been swept under the rug, waiting to be brought to light.

The term “race riot” feels like a gross understatement when referring to what happened in Springfield.… Continue reading