In Philadelphia, on Hawk Hill and around the world, protestors are marching and demonstrating to speak out against racial injustice in America.
"Our Jesuit heritage and mission, grounded in the service of faith and the promotion of justice, calls on us to approach societal problems actively and reflectively. To care. To pray. To discern. To act," Saint Joseph's President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., wrote in a message to the University community on May 30. "I have come to understand in my own life the privilege that I have which makes it difficult, if not impossible, for me to fully understand the pain of discrimination, racial hatred, prejudice, or fear. But I do know that this pain is deep and persistent, and I share the same anger, sadness, and frustration that I know you do as well."
Led by Nicole Stokes, Ph.D., associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Daniel Joyce, S.J. ’88, executive director of mission programs, hundreds of Saint Joseph’s community members came together June 3 for a half hour of reflection on the ways they can continue to educate themselves about racial bias and injustice, and to gather the courage to have difficult conversations.
“I challenge our majority members of this community: Do not put this burden on the diverse members of our community,” Stokes said. “Be courageous; talk openly and honestly. And I challenge us all to lean into that discomfort. It is the only way for growth.”
The nation- and worldwide protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old security guard and father of two who died after a Minneapolis police officer pinned Floyd’s neck with his knee for almost nine minutes last week. The officer has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter with culpable negligence in the killing, which was captured on video. Three other officers who were on the scene have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.
But Floyd’s death has only heightened ongoing activism against police disproportionally using force against black Americans and efforts to create broad conversations about the impacts of systemic racism and what can be done to address it.
At Saint Joseph’s, it is incumbent on the community to not only have tough conversations, Stokes said, but for each member to be accountable for his or her actions: to listen, learn, pledge to do better and then follow through on that commitment.
“This is the only path forward toward making social justice and racial equity a reality for all in our society,” Stokes said. “It’s the only way as individuals to do all that is possible for us to eliminate racism and other marginalization that hinders our personal growth, our progression as a community and our advancement as a nation.”