Pushing Forward
Birling is owned by four white men. These are our thoughts.
The murder of George Floyd has sparked a powerful international movement that is impossible to ignore. The world is speaking up and we must listen. Among other results, we have seen two broad categories of “calls to action”. The first is to undo the racist protocols that have been weaved into all levels of government over the course of decades. This is necessary not only for the US, or Canada, but for the whole world. Let us never forget that Abdirahman Abdi was murdered at the hands of police right here in Ottawa. To say that this is complicated would be an understatement. In order to even have a chance at accomplishing this feat, education is crucial. We need to educate ourselves using legitimate sources to both hone in on key issues and to fix them. This is a process that will take years, but is not impossible.
The second call to action is one that should take place in everyday life. We need to talk about the injustices that are occurring everyday in our own backyards. Meaningful conversation can lead to understanding and enlightenment. Friday’s protest on Parliament Hill sparked a sense of hope for all in attendance, which needs to act as a springboard into impactful dialogue. The flames from this spark need to grow. A powerful moment was shared during the protest in the form of a moment of silence; for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. We encourage anyone to have their own moment of silence for this specific period of time. Let the horror build as you sit in the moment, realizing that George Floyd’s death was publicly dragged out in a devastatingly inhumane manner for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
Let us ensure that George Floyd did not die in vain. Let us stop treating racism as if it is simply a chapter in a history book. It has not come and gone. It is alive; here and abroad. Let us overcome discomfort and talk to one another. Let us talk about how we can do better, because we have a long way to go. Let us speak out at the moment we see injustice. Most importantly, let us put our egos aside during this process. Doing the right thing is its own reward. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Let this current state have meaning and fuel action. Do not let it fade away.