August 23, 2012 — vol. 48, no 3
Letters to the Editor
Inner city violence: Silence is acceptance
How many of us have daughters and nieces that we fear will find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time? How often do we pray to see them again when they walk out of the door?
Sharrice Perkins was outside her home sitting in the car with three childhood friends. Sharrice and two of her friends were murdered and a fourth is left behind as a reminder to us of the fierce urgency of now.
Yes, she may recover from her physical wounds but the emotional scars will last a lifetime. This barbaric act must not be repeated.
It is time for all of us, of all races and classes, to stand up and say the current state of justice and equality in our nation is lacking. Small steps taken with great courage can make a difference. Educate those around you, engage in civic actions, extend your trust, unlock the gates that divide us and build a united community. We can change the story of our streets, and with that, we can affect the common good of our nation.
As parents, we can no longer sit silently and watch hopelessly. We must find within ourselves the courage to raise up our voices and demand the right to co-exist for all of our children.
It’ s a moral responsibility and our children’s constitutional right. We should all care about this crime and the lack of accountability that has followed it.
Martin Luther King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” What happened to the four young women is not only unjust; it demonstrated a total disregard for human life.
Silence is acceptance. Let’s not be silenced.
Monalisa Smith
President
Mothers for Justice and Equality
(MJE)
| Aug 24 20:18pm by Leland [66.31.203.6] | |
Silence isn't just acceptance. If someone has information and they don't anonymously tell the authorities they are an accessory to the crime. Either tell the cops or handle it yourself. If you do neither you are a participant in that crime. |
|
