We must work for peace and justice, but violence at Plaza protests demeans MLK’s dream

The first time I heard Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, I was moved, inspired and so very hopeful, believing we could work for this dream together. King spoke of cooperating for civil and economic rights and putting an end to racism and the suffering and many inequalities inflicted by denigrating and oppressing others.

The coronavirus pandemic rages on, tearing apart families and causing catastrophic suffering and death. In addition to these challenging and uncertain physical and economic traumas, we continue to see some members of law enforcement who use their power to brutally hurt people taken into custody — too often resulting in death — in addition to the violence perpetrated daily on our streets by citizens.

In response to this outrage, people demand that their voices be heard. But, sadly, peaceful demonstrations can give way to aggression and violence. The outrage and anger expressed by demonstrators are visceral and driven by rage and injustice. Everyone who suffers deserves our respect and active support. We sadly recognize that racism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of this country, and often in the sinews of our society. It is a systemic epidemic that tragically impacts every phase of life and experience. In this country, we have the right, privilege and responsibility to make our voices heard.

However, when mobs of people turn to violence, hoping to hurt others, looting and destroying property, who is really hurt? Demonstrations begin in good faith. But how does it make sense to place our trusted first responders in jeopardy of injury or death as they try to keep people safe? When participants are hurt or killed as mobs react and small businesses are shuttered, defaced and destroyed, how is this fighting for justice? How does it honor the victims of injustice and deadly force if it really hurts the local neighborhood and those who live there? Somehow, I do not see how this supports the dream for peace, justice and equality.

The ultimate betrayal is when elected officials and public servants, in any venue, utilize brutal force to beat, berate and injure members of the public. These leaders have been charged and have chosen to protect, keep safe and assist all, especially those among us who are most vulnerable. As we utilize our voice and move to nonviolent action in seeking justice for systemic change, it seems to me that the only way King’s dream will truly be realized is for each of us to listen to our own heart, ponder our own attitude of racism and be accountable for our actions.

If I want change, I have to work for it in my life, in my community, in my country and in our world. Our rage and sadness are palpable and painful. We weep with generations, suffering from individual hatred and racism as well as systemic inequalities. I believe our individual introspection, community unity and political advocacy will work to bring about this dream of justice.

My dream is that we will listen more attentively to one another and work together toward that dream that King shared with us so long ago. The solution is not simple, but surely we can commit to work together to make this world a better place right now and for future generations. King spent his life and dying breath witnessing nonviolent resistance. What will we commit ourselves to in realizing this dream together? Let us pray to God for ready patience, listening hearts, deep compassion and sustained commitment for peace as we work for justice now.

This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "We must work for peace and justice, but violence at Plaza protests demeans MLK’s dream."