As Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ), we are called by our principles to promote social justice and to vehemently oppose unjust, inhumane public policies everywhere. The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks appall and shock us, as do the killings and violence against so many more black and brown people by the hands of law enforcement throughout our history.
The massive protests around the country and the rest of the world highlight the tragic experiences of people of color with America’s law enforcement, which have all too often led to inhumane aggression, violence and even death. Stopping those empowered by a badge and a gun from the wanton killing of people of color must be the priority we all share. Changes to police recruitment, training, leadership, discipline, and use of force policies are essential first steps, but are insufficient to eradicating the legacies of slavery and white supremacy that persist in law enforcement. True change will require a complete re-conceptualizing of policing and community relations through the lens of racial consciousness. New models must be created to advance a cultural transformation in the roles that police play in our communities and tackle the dismantling of racism within law enforcement directly.
Much more also needs to be done if we are truly going to change the course of our country’s relationship with race and address the poisonous damage that racism and white supremacy have had on all aspects of American life. We must narrow the economic gap between whites and people of color in this country. We must address and resolve the significant racial disparities that persist in our health care, housing, educational and workforce systems. And we must do even more internally as a faith-based social justice organization to reflect on our approach to the work ahead – what changes we are going to make to model a transformational cultural shift that effectively breaks down processes and behaviors that further reinforce racial inequities. If we want American society to truly reflect the democratic ideals of opportunity, justice and freedom for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, religious preferences and ability, we must approach the work systematically, comprehensively and culturally.
Our present moment of sustained mass mobilization holds a critical, timely opportunity for us to renew and strengthen our efforts to address the wounds of slavery still ever-present throughout American society. We at UUSJ stand in solidarity with the black and brown members and leaders of today’s liberation movement, including Black Lives Matter, the Poor People’s Campaign, and so many other groups in the forefront of this movement.
Although the next steps of change are not altogether clear, we pledge never to forget this moment, and instead to use it as a catalyst for engaging in the difficult work that lies ahead. UUSJ stands in witness and solidarity with our partners and neighbors. We dedicate ourselves to help bring real changes resulting in justice and equity for all oppressed people.
Let us light the light in these dark times and bear it together.