This is what accountability looks like. The conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the 2020 killing of George Floyd is an indication that the police brutality and violence that has plagued our nation will no longer stand, and the blatant disregard of Black lives and people of color will no longer be tolerated.

In too many communities across the country, the trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is often frayed and in some areas is broken. We have been and continue to be challenged by the daily trauma of excessive police force, racial violence, and brutality in our communities. Our hearts and prayers remain with the family of George Floyd as they continue to grieve the loss of their father, husband, brother, and friend, and to all those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones because of police violence.

Please consider joining the YWCA Bethlehem and YWCA Allentown partnering for the 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge from April 19 – May 17. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. During the challenge you will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. More information about the challenge and other resources are available at ywcabethlehem.org

Tiwanna Hatcher

Bethlehem YWCA