As I have been reflecting on the events surrounding the death of Mr. George Floyd a few weeks ago, I like many of you feel anger and disappointment at how little value is placed on the life of an African-American man in the United States. I realize there are many in our Country and throughout the world that feel the hurt and outrage right along with us because Mr. Floyd’s death is only one in a long line of senseless deaths of African-Americans in the news over the past several years.
I also realize why most people who are not African-Americans have so much difficulty understanding why we seem to place so much emphasis on the fact that Mr. Floyd was Black rather than just highlighting the fact that he was another human being who was killed at the hands of the police. Although we agree that Mr. Floyd was a human being, and no human being should be mistreated while in the custody of law enforcement; however the harsh reality is that his race definitely made a difference in the outcome of his encounter with police.
I know we all want to think that all lives matter, but in truth, some lives seem to matter more than others. Chances are that if he were any other race other than Black, he probably would not be dead today. I know it’s difficult to comprehend this fact when you haven’t been exposed to these harsh realities on a daily basis, but I acknowledge it is probably hard to fully understand this truth unless you have walked in the shoes of those who have had to suffer the indignities and burden of being Black in America.
I am sure most of us are aware that Mr. George Floyd is only one of a long list of Black men and women who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement as well as White Americans who find it easy to justify the killing of an African-American with little to no provocation. The recent explosion in protests and violence is just an outward sign of the inward frustration that is brewing just below the surface of an already broken and crumbling justice system.
Although we all are aware that something needs to be done; however, the problem has always been finding the right solution that will bring unity rather than more discord. Something that will calm the immediate anger and frustration while providing some short-term and long-term solutions that will be obtainable and sustainable over the long haul. Obviously, this is a tall order that will require cooperation from citizens, law enforcement, businesses, and government agencies at all levels if viable solutions are ever to be achieved.
We don’t find ourselves at the precipice of social chaos in our system of justice because everything is well, but we find ourselves at the brink of social and civil unrest because the cries and pleas of the people have been ignored for too long. Consequently, it will take extraordinary efforts to bring all parties to the table to effect quantifiable and tangible changes to this system of justice we allow to operate.
This means no longer paying lip-service to the cries of injustice, but dismantling and reconstructing a system that works for all in the fairest possible way. Undoubtedly, this won’t be easy nor painless because there are too many in the present structure who benefit politically, financially and socially from the status quo; therefore, these types of systemic changes will not be easy to unravel, but will require dedication and commitment from everybody who says they believe in the true principles of America.
The million dollar question becomes how do we begin to make the changes we say we want in a way that honors and recognizes the past as well as the present?
I know there are many ways we can start the process, but it won’t happen if we don’t create an environment where honest dialogue can occur.
Moreover, it must be an atmosphere that encourages speaking hard truths as well as listening to hard truths. We can no longer afford to say what is convenient and then accept only the parts we like, but we must be willing to honor the truth no matter where it leads and make the necessary changes that will honor and benefit all. We should no longer be willing to tolerate injustice by a few while the majority sits in silence hoping for change. Today is the only time we have and now is the only moment we’ve been given to make our voices be heard. What will you choose to do?
Below I have listed ten strategic changes I know will help us make progress toward real justice for all, but these strategies won’t work if we continue to place a bandage on the cancer that festers within. We can’t just acknowledge that a problem exists, but we must be ready to work hard for real change:
Defining the Problem
\The first step to crafting any workable solution to a problem starts with defining the main issue that has galvanized the people to take action. When people begin to ban together for one common cause, it’s usually because something has gone wrong and needs to be corrected.
Although there might be multiple complaints, but what has happened to prompt people into taking a stand at this particular time. Once you can come to some consensus about what is wrong, it becomes easier to work on meaningful solutions that will address the issue at hand.
There are as many problems in the world as there are people, but we can’t work on a billion problems at the same time. Therefore, we must come to some agreement and understanding about what the main focus of the time, energy and resources will be used to do as we hone in on the real purpose for organizing.
2. Strategies and Tools
A strategy involves making plans that will lead you to the resolution of your issue(s) that has been articulated by the group. The ultimate goal is to get to the root of the problem that is causing everyone to want to take action in the first place.
There may be a variety of ways in which a problem can be solved, but which of these ways will get you what you want in the shortest amount of time. Sometimes there might have to be multiple strategies applied because the issue is far more complex and may require long range and short range goals to get you what you really want.
No matter what strategy you employ, everybody must be on the same page and understand how to implement the techniques of the strategy so the desired effect will be the result. Moreover, if an issue has to be attacked over multiple years, make sure you have the dedication and sustainability that is required to maintain momentum after the initial enthusiasm has worn off. As you may already know, there is no one right way to invoke change.
The tools you may choose to use in any adversarial struggle may depend on what you hope to accomplish in your mission. Voting, Boycotts and protests are simply tools that can be used to stress or dramatize a point that needs to be made. These are not the only tools that can be used to evoke change, but these particular tools are some that have been proven to be effective down through the years.
Because of the internet, social media and other technology we are able to increase awareness and highlight disputes with lightening speed, but every method won’t work in every situation. The mere fact that you have a choice in what to do in a well thought out and well executed strategy may give you an advantage. The ultimate goal is to bring attention to a problem and find ways to resolve it as quickly as possible. Sometimes a strategy has to be changed without warning especially if it is not working. Just make sure you apply sound logic and reasoning to any plan you undertake if you hope to achieve the maximum result of your quest.
3. Organization
There are very few things that get accomplished without some form of organization being applied. Organization is the structure and hierarchy that is used to determine how decisions are made within a group or body of like minded individuals.
If we are interested in building a successful movement, then people must come together for one common purpose and work together in an organized manner. The principles of organization happen even when we don’t know or understand these rules are being applied to everything we do. Even the animal kingdom understands and respects the use of organization because without it little would get done in a timely way.
Conversely, we as humans know organization is important, but sometimes we spend an inordinate amount of time jockeying for position and power which may sometimes lead to fragmentation. The most powerful movement is one where everybody understands and agrees on the purpose of the group.
It doesn’t mean that everyone agrees on all points, but everyone is on-board with the general direction so that a united front can be presented to the world. Also, we must remember that every person in a group or organization is important. It doesn’t matter how big or small the position, it is valuable and plays a part in the overall success of the movement.
4. Leadership
Just like we must have some form of organization present in any movement, leadership is another one of those things that must be included in any successful undertaking.
Leadership may include one primary person or a group of individuals who have the authority to speak on behalf of those they represent. Good leadership knows how to inspire confidence and knows how to rally everyone to action. A leader is one who acts as a spokesperson for the group and he or she is there to negotiate on behalf of the parties they represent.
The most effective leader is one that carries the message that the members of the organization has approved without seeking personal benefit for their effort. I know this sounds idealistic and naive, but throughout history there have been many such leaders whose only motivation was to make a positive impact for the oppressed and down-trodden. These are the kind of leaders that will remain until the job has been completed and that is the same type of leadership we will need today.
5. Building Alliances
Although there are many types of groups and organizations that exist to accomplish a variety of purposes, that doesn’t mean all of them are working toward the same goals at the same time. The things that tend to motivate one group at any given juncture may not be the same things that inspire another group to action at a different point in time. However, there are times when it is necessary for fundamentally divergent groups to come together to form an alliance to defeat a common enemy.
It doesn’t mean that these groups can’t go back to their original purpose for existence, but what it means is that for the time being their purposes have converged in such a way that they can be mutually beneficial to one another during a specific campaign.
We commonly see countries and governments that form and maintain these types of alliances, but we must also realize that such alliances can work between individuals, groups and organizations alike. A war is never won or lost based on the actions of only one individual, but it is the collective effort of many, many people who come together and share resources and knowledge as a means to effect change for all who are involved.
6. List of Demands
Once you have defined the problem; your organization is tight; you have a winning strategy with strong leadership and alliances, then you must determine what you really want. Can you articulate what is wrong and what remedies will satisfy the infractions you have identified? It is imperative that a list of clear demands be presented. Also, you must be sure you are at the right place for your demands to be addressed. There is nothing more frustrating than discovering you are at the wrong table for what you want.
Although the President of the United States wields a lot of power, he does not have the authority to enact laws because that is the job of the Congress. Also, problems within the school system can’t be resolved by the city council, but must be presented to the school board or the superintendent that has the authority to make substantive changes in the system.
Consequently, you must make sure your list of demands is realistic and contains suggestions and remedies that will satisfy your grievances. Moreover, make sure everyone has buy-in into what is being sought by the group. Your list of demands will only be as strong and as relevant as the potential to make them happen.
7. Use of Resources.
I know that most of us like to think that making changes in any substantive way can be done with little to no resources, but in reality the cost of change can create a huge drain on time, energy, resources and money over an extended period of time for those involved with a movement.
If there are lawsuits to be filed, attorneys and other legal fees that must be paid, it is the responsibility of those involved in the campaign to raise funds in support of this effort. Sometimes there is a need to make or purchase signs, provide transportation, post bonds, file legal briefs as well as providing a myriad of other services that are needed to sustain momentum toward the overall goal of making changes, but we know it becomes the shared responsibility of everyone.
Everybody can’t do everything, but everybody can do something to help make a difference. There will always be those in any movement who may never hold a sign or attend a march, but they can provide valuable resources that can then be used to sustain those who are on the front line of change. Don’t discount anyone who wants to be of help, but learn how to get what you need and incorporate it in your overall plan.
8. Negotiation
The word negotiate implies that all parties come to the table willing to listen and be heard in order to create a viable solution to the problem at hand. It is the ability to convince or persuade others to see things from a different perspective and make changes accordingly.
If everybody comes to the table in good faith, the negotiation process will usually end up successful and is a win, win situation for all. However, there are times when negotiations break down because there is some sticking point that has to be overcome.
Sometimes these types of negotiations can become contentious, but it doesn’t mean some resolution can’t be reached. Real negotiation can be tedious and time consuming so you can’t grow weary in the process. It is not for the faint of heart, but requires focus, skill and the ability to know when to speak and when to listen. In most negotiations everybody will end up losing something and gaining something, but it is your job to make sure you don’t make concessions that dilute your purpose. Remember, everything is negotiable and it’s your job to come to the table with an open mind, ready to work.
9. Compromise
As a part of any quest for change some compromises must be made. This means that everyone in the process gets something they want, but they also give up something in return.
In an ideal world everyone is treated fairly and there is no need to make demands, but things are not always fair and equitable in the society in which we live; therefore, concessions must be made by both sides of an issue. Quite often those who are in the position of power rarely want to give up their power, nor do they want to share their authority with those who seek to upset the status quo.
It is incumbent upon those who feel they are being misused and abused by this authority to convince and/or demand change. Dr. Martin Luther King once said that “Power never secedes without a demand; it never has and it never will” tells us that nothing worthwhile comes without a struggle. It is never easy to persuade someone they are wrong when they believe they are right, but through the power of negotiation, compromise and reasoning it is possible to make changes that will benefit everyone.
10. Listening
Listening is an important attribute that requires active participation in order to be effective. It is hard to listen when you already have your mind made up not to hear. When we truly listen to what is being said, we don’t have to guess what is meant by what is being expressed.
True understanding comes when all parties know they are being heard and taken seriously. Listening also implies that you have an open mind and you don’t already have a response prepared before you have heard all the facts.
Although talking is important, there will never be true understanding until we learn how to listen to one another and then ask questions that will bring clarity to what is being spoken.
Truly my heart is grieved by the killing of Mr. George Floyd and all the other African-Americans whose lives have been taken at the hands of law enforcement over many decades. I feel a deep sense of hurt and pain for all the families who have lost loved ones as a result of policies that won’t hold all of its citizens to the same standard of accountability. I am not against police, but I am against bad policing. Consequently, until we are able to admit that there is a problem, we will never be able to break the cycle of abuse and discrimination that exists in our country.
Moreover, we will continue to experience social unrest that not only impacts us, but it also impacts the world at large. We can no longer afford to sit back and hope for the best, but we must make every effort to do our best for every citizen. In reality, most of us are spurred to action when something affects us in a negative way or threatens our way of life. We are all interested in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but sometimes we never make the connection that our pursuit of happiness may be at the expense of someone else’s liberty. It’s time for us to work together towards real change and solid solutions before more lives are lost. As someone famous once said, “If you are not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.” Where do you stand? Leave your comment below.
