The Urban League of Louisiana wholeheartedly supports House Resolution 13 presented by Representative Ted James earlier today that “establishes a study group to study law enforcement systems and policing.” This is a tremendous step forward for Louisiana in the continuing struggle to eradicate systemic racism within law enforcement.
We understand that words matter. We understand that tone matters. But we also know that in order for an issue to be solved, it has to be faced.
The act of demanding the removal of Mr. George Floyd’s name because it makes some lawmakers uncomfortable reveals the need for this conversation to continue among those in positions of power and influence. In order to create sustainable change for racial equity, policy decision makers cannot ignore the racial disparities in law enforcement or the nation’s long history of racism.
In order for these efforts to be successful, we must face our past and look deeply into the systems that have long divided us, even if it makes us uncomfortable. This is the work that we must do together as a nation.
In the immortal words of author and activist James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”