Just as each of us have crossed bridges that were built by those that came before us, it is our duty to try to create new bridges for those that follow.
Just as each of us have crossed bridges that were built by those that came before us, it is our duty to try to create new bridges for those that follow.
As I listened to the news of the death of Daunte Wright in Minneapolis I am heartbroken. The trial related to the death of George Floyd has not yet concluded and we are now facing another situation where a black man has died at the hands of police in the same community.
To be honest, since hearing the news, I have felt the need to say something but struggled to find the words. When I considered not saying anything – the words of Harriet Tubman echoed in my head:
“If you are tired, keep going.
If you are hungry, keep going.
If you are scared, keep going.
If you want to taste freedom, keep going””
I also revisited the words of Oprah Winfrey who reminds us that each of us enjoys what we have in our lives because of the sacrifices of those that came before us:
“I am where I am because of the bridges that I crossed.
Sojourner Truth was a bridge.
Harriet Tubman was a bridge.
Ida B. Wells was a bridge.
Madame C.J. Walker was a bridge.
Fannie Lou Hamer was a bridge.”
Just as each of us have crossed bridges that were built by those that came before us, it is our duty to try to create new bridges for those that follow.
In the end, I decided to re-share what I wrote on June 8, 2020 as our community prepared for the funeral of George Floyd.
I hope that those words, which I have included below, help you find some measure of comfort and direction as we all struggle to find our way forward during this challenging time.
Take care of each other,
Carl
Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)
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