Let’s Stay Together Talk Show is saddened and angered about the senseless death of George Floyd. The tyranny of injustice within our government against African-Americans continues to show its ugly pattern of racism and the symptomatic, stereotypical views that continue to divide our nation. Witnessing how a person can willingly end the life of another, who is helpless to defend himself, will be a continual strain in my soul, but sadly, it seems commonplace in America. 

What we do about this situation is crucial; however, how humanity handles this horrific event is paramount. Regardless of ethnicity, all Americans need to speak out against racism. We are all accountable for the treatment of others. Speaking privately to family and friends can no longer be the norm. This current situation demands that you speak out not only today, but anytime injustice occurs. Be the change that you wish to see in the world. 

Protesting has always been the modus operandi that people used to fight against injustice; however, an injustice protest benefits no one. As the brother of George Floyd echoed, “Let’s try it another way!”   

On our show, I’ve preached about the importance of voting, listening to news affiliates within your area, contacting your government officials, and demanding that they heard the voice of your community. We must demand that our government, including our aldermen’s, mayors, and governors, listen, or vote them out. The Bible says, “The people perish for the lack of knowledge.” We need to know what is happening within our communities, our government, and our cities to affect change. We also need to clean out any corruption within those communities and demand that we have honest law enforcement to protect us. Despite the rhetoric from leadership, we must have a non-violent unity and work together to secure peace.   

To our destructive citizens, violence, destroying property, and looting isn’t the answer. Floyd and others like Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray Michael Brown Jr., Walter Scott, and Eric Garner, who die by the inhumane treatment of African-Americans and people of color, should not be and will not be reduced by your senseless behavior. We understand your frustration; however, you are diminishing those that fought and died for justice by your actions. We plead for you to stop and come together for change. 

Use your political voice to make a change. Form a non-bias group that speaks for the people within your community and demand a forum that works with government officials within your city to secure justice. Although there is civil unrest across America, “No Justice, No Peace” should never be about violence if justice isn’t received. The history of America has shown that violence has been a mechanism to fight against the tyranny of oppression. However, there is never a time for violence. Martin Luther King said, “Hate begets hate; violence begets violence.” We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.” We must demand justice, and many have nobly died for its cause, but your life is more important and should not be quieted by an otiose moment of violence. I abhor violence for change, but sadly I must admit, freedom never seems to come without it. King also stated that “A riot is the language of the unheard,” which is troubling to my spirit that these words still echo today. People have been forced to riot because the system in place to hear them has ignored their cries. If two wrongs don’t make a right, why are we continuously seeing the chaotic dilemma in our society of which came first, the chicken or the egg? Enough is enough! Let’s stop playing chicken.  

To those who are protesting in a non-violence nature, we commend you. We understand your anger and agree that justice for Floyd needs to occur and that criminal charges ordered against all officers involved. King wrote these words regarding his peaceful protesting. “The only weapon that we have in our hands this evening is the weapon of protest. That’s all.” Stay the course of non-violence. Your unity among the races is a beautiful example of agape love.     

We must also demand that our Democratic and Republican leaders not use this horrendous situation to criticize each other, point blame, berate, or use this historical moment as a political tool to win an election. This is the time for profound, radical change where history can see Americans united together to secure justice for all.  

A word to my non-African-American brothers and sisters that see George Floyd’s death as a travesty, we love that you can see our pain, but where have you been? Your voice is needed! You have the power to erect the necessary change, but where have you been? Please do not let this be another isolated discomfort where you feel you can relate to our historical anguish living in America. We love that you feel our grief; however, we now need you to hear us. 

Believe us when we tell you about the fear we have living around you. The pain we feel when the media degrade us, only showing us in a negative light, which causes you to fear our existence. Understand we want to live peacefully and not be looked at as a criminal just because we are in your neighborhood or walking down a street. Don’t judge all African-Americans just because one person does something wrong. Please get to know us and let us get to know you! You will see we have more in common than the things that divide us.      

To our police brothers and sisters, that honor the badge, your silence for those within the honorable system of justice established to protect, will be sullied if you allow corrupt individuals to destroy that honor. You are implicitly guilty if you kneel in prayer then allow those behind the shield to kill and not speak out. Your fundamental duty is to serve humanity; to safeguard lives, to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men. Remember, no matter the political power that speaks, one bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch. Follow the law of protection and not the rule of anarchy expressed by leadership. We love and honor your service, but we are applauded by those that use the badge as a weapon to kill, steal, and destroy lives.       

To the news media across the United States, that continuously report negative stories about African-Americans, we demand you stop criminalizing us as a people. As the Bible says, “We all sin and fall short of God’s glory.” We are honorable, law-abiding people seeking justice without violence and condemn all wrong-doing, including any bias coverage that vilifies one race. You are responsible for how you bring about societal change. Make your coverage a positive change that the world will remember.

As a child, I pattern my life from the life and words of Martin Luther King Jr. King wrote many profound statements like, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right,” so this next statement may sound naive. I’m hopeful that we have reached a moment when these horrific events can replace the mentality of violence with a mindset of victory through honest and fair communication.    

Lastly, for those that say that there is no symptomatic racism, your world is the world we all want to witness. Symptomatic racism has been here in America since the days when boats brought slaves to American ports. We must come together to remove the waves of racism and bring us to the shores of equality. History will look at us as the people that (negatively or positively) change the world. How we move forward is up to us all!  

We welcome you to join us tomorrow on Let’s Stay Together Talk Show at 6:30 central time on Soar Radio or Facebook Live.