After Charleston deaths, a resurrection of progressive thought

Blood was spilled and lives were ended in the basement of Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. Some would have thought that nothing positive or meaningful could have come out of this horrific situation. Frankly, that was my belief. But it appears that a resurrection of progressive thought has happened in relationship to long-held racial beliefs and practices.

Now it appears that a number of Southern states are either considering removing the Confederate flag or have taken legislative steps to remove it. I consider this a resurrection of what America is supposed to stand for.

In ancient times, many societies considered a sacrificial offering to be necessary in the desire to remove or blot out sin. When the sacrifice occurred, the hope was that sins were forgiven and persons could then start all over again. They were given a second chance at life. They had a resurrection of character and spiritual thought.

Could it be that the blood spilled on the floor of the basement at Mother Emmanuel cleansed or perhaps poked holes in society’s fabric of racism and allowed for a resurrection of new thought?

Fifty years ago, America watched as marchers were beaten with billy clubs as they crossed the Edmund Pettis Bridge. In fact, because so much blood was shed, the event is referred to as “Bloody Sunday.” But as a result of that event and certainly many others not recorded in the history books or in our memories, the Voting Rights Act was passed and Jim Crow began to limp toward its final days. There was a resurrection of change cutting through the winds of social discord that pierced and reawakened the social consciousness of many Americans.

This consciousness has come alive again with an intensity that has millennials and baby boomers walking in lock step seeking to seize this moment and make change reality. Never was this more evident than in the action Bree Newsome took to remove the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina Capitol. Her enthusiasm and passion were evident. She considered herself a change agent.

We need to register to vote, in spite of voting laws or restrictions that limited voting access. And once we become registered, we must vote. We need to support our youth and their parents or guardians through mentoring programs and broader educational opportunities. We must stop the routine criminalization of young men of color and promote the restoration of true justice for all. We need to make every effort we can to feed people, specifically those in need, not with our leftovers or expired food items but with fresh, life-sustaining food.

We need to work with our communities to determine how to meet their needs and address their concerns and expectations. There are so many other things we as people need to do to identify with this resurrection leading to change. But perhaps most importantly, we must be the resurrection. The nine victims of the horrific crime in Mother Emanuel spilled blood and died, but their spirits were resurrected in us so that we can bring change. We are the resurrection.

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 4:54 PM with the headline "After Charleston deaths, a resurrection of progressive thought."