Introduction

        For my last campus or community event reflection I decided to write on something that is going on currently in the United States. It was not on the list of approved documentaries to watch but I believe it is most relevant to the Diversity Leadership Certificate. It has helped me apply key concepts that I have learned over the last four years to act ethically and affect social change. I dedicate this reflection to Ahmaud Arbery, who was murdered February 23, 2020 in Brunswick, Georgia. He was a young black gentleman out for a jog when he was preyed on, waited for, chased and murdered by a father son duo. Their defense being that there were “several break-ins” in the area recently.

Reflection

        As important as it is to address and reflect on our past, with the help of documentaries, I think we can all agree that it is also important to focus on what is happening in our communities today. Documentaries and history go to show that the United States is not as far along on solving the racial injustices and racism issue that we have. I know that by now you have read a lot about race in my events and artifact but this murder is the reason that it is important to keep doing so. That is not to say other issues are not as important, because that is not the case at all, but in America this is one of our biggest issues currently and it needs to be talked about and addressed. How we address this case and the outcome of this case will impact this country for many years to come. As Crystal Fleming stated, in order to make progress and to start change you have to have uncomfortable conversations. 

        This particular case makes me uncomfortable, sad, and angry. Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was running in a neighborhood in Brunswick, Georgia when he was chased, gunned down, and murdered by Travis Michael and Gregory Michael. This happened on February 23, 2020 and the Michael’s were not arrested until May 7, 2020. There is currently a lot that is unknown about this case. There have been statements about Arbery being in the area before and entering construction sites when he was not supposed to. Additionally, Michael's defense states that there had been “several break-ins” in the area recently. More recently, their defense attorney has come out and stated that the full truth will be revealed and to not believe everything seen on social media or TV (Morris). Which to some extent may have validity but we will have to wait for the case to appear in court. 

        However, the indisputable fact these two white men murdered Ahmaud Arbery. They intended to kill him. They sat in their truck, waited, preyed, fought, and murdered him in daylight. This should be disturbing enough, but furthermore the Michael’s were not arrested until nearly 3 months later when there is video evidence of them doing this. The injustice of how Arbery’s death has been handled is disgraceful and I would consider those who are supposed to be enforcing the law there as impotent. This shows us that racism is still alive and well today. No matter the reasoning behind this brutal murder, there is no doubt in my mind that Arbrey would still be alive if he was white and was white when entering the construction area. The astronomical amount of inequality in the United States when it comes to minorities and those of colors makes me disappointed in our society. How have we let this happen?

        As I reflect on the case and this question I become enraged. This case sheds light on the multifaceted issues within the U.S. Including but not limited to the inequality of race, gender, socioeconomic class, deeply segregated roots, and injustice. Black men, specifically, are targets in America and as I say that I get emotional because I know that it is true. I also know that it is not fair to make someone a target based on the color of their skin. I know that I want to do something to make a difference but what can I do? I’ve decided to start uncomfortable conversations like Fleming suggests. I talked with my boyfriend about this after posting the graphic below on my Instagram story. Something so simple yet started a conversation. I was asked why I posted it and what my connection to this was. To that I said, “I don’t need a connection to the event in order to share it. It’s something that should not have happened and I believe strongly in that, so I posted it because I feel strongly in that. Me posting it doesn’t harm anything so I only see it spreading the word about the injustice so I believe it’s a good thing to post.” This is not a normal conversation for us so it did bring some discomfort but starting at home is essential. This situation has helped me be more vocal about injustices and that is how I am slowly affecting social change.

 Bibliography

Morris, J., Hanna, J., & Almasy, S. (2020, May 14). Attorneys for suspects in Ahmaud Arbery's killing say the public has rushed to judgment. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/14/us/ahmaud-arbery-shooting/index.html