“But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society. These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? It has failed to hear that the plight of the negro poor has worsened over the last twelve or fifteen years. It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met. And it has failed to hear that large segments of white society are more concerned about tranquility and the status quo than about justice and humanity.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

The fire burning, is maybe a tipping point. It is about society being less concerned about tranquilly and status quo. I am grateful a fire has been lit. I really am. Sometimes things do need to burn for change to be possible. Fire grabs your attention. Fires must be tended to – they are an emergency. Injustice is an emergency.

I am grateful for more than the fire today. I am grateful:

• • The murder was filmed – eyes often must see to understand injustice, and it makes holding the responsible accountable, easier.
  • The world has opened up not just the discussion about justice, but action, a fire.
  • The Floyd family is calling for peaceful protest to honor their loss.
  • That my eyes have been opened to the real injustices going on. I am sorry I am late to the realities, but I am here now and ready to help. As Maya Angelo says “when you know better do better.”
  • That most cops are good and the police and the public can’t allow the bad to exist. The system can not allow them to exist. My sister-in-laws’ brother wrote this as an illustration: