Unsilenced

“What in the world are we going to do? Look at what everybody’s going through What kind of world do you want it to be? Am I the future or the history?”

These are Coldplay’s opening lyrics to their song “Everyday Life”. They leave no room for silence.

They speak of a turning point. George Floyd’s tragic murder at the hands of police has sparked the questions raised in these lyrics. We cannot change history but the future is dependent on each and everyone’s want for change.

The thin outer layer of the skin that covers the body harbors the pigmentation responsible for one’s color. It is unfortunate that color has influenced a history of discrimination against people with a non-white skins, the majority of whom are Black. Blame it on colonialism. The world is so beyond that now and now a turning point faces each and everyone’s decision – “I am the future”.

Words alone won’t do it. A strong decent, compassionate leadership with fortitude and foresight may turn the tide where all lives matter regardless of judgement. Poverty, waste/pollution and education are some of the underlying issues that will face this leadership. Forget the makeup, the false showmanship and parading. It will be a roll[-up the sleeves job, one which is best begun in the grassroots of society.

May this be George Floyd’s legacy.