By Surya Gokul, Student at Swarnandhra
Philadelphia is at the center of racial tension and protests after the recent killing of a 27-year black male named Walter Wallace Jr. by police officers in October. Unfortunately, Philadelphia has a long history of discrimination and brutality against African Americans. The most infamous and controversial incident occurred in 1985, when the police dropped two bombs on the headquarters of MOVE, a Black militant liberation group similar to the Black Panthers that was founded in 1972.
Recent efforts to reform policing are steps in the right direction, but a lot more has to be done on an individual and system level to stop discrimination and brutality against the African American community in Philadelphia. One recent example is the Philadelphia School District releasing an anti-racism declaration, which provides anti-racism training to employees, scrutinizes admission policies, and rewrites history textbooks. This solution seeks to systematically end racism, but everyday citizens must also change their behavior.
On an individual level, everyone must first come forward to stop acts of discrimination in their community or workplace. Donating money or volunteering at anti-discrimination organizations is another way to contribute.
If you need a little more motivation to take action, think of these great words by Martin Luther King:
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
If you get inspired to take action, please let us know by filling out the form on our Contact page.
