From: Kimberly Wadholm
Columbus
Diversity and inclusion, progressive values, and displays of virtue will not shield Columbus from the plagues of this nation. Systemic racism, implicit and explicit bias, and white supremacy culture will only die by the work of our hands. Only diligent action and collaborative work can uproot them. While there is much to admire about this city, this is not the time for white people to be patting ourselves on the back. Instead, we must deeply examine ourselves and ask how — both individually and as a collective — we are going to change.
For years, Minneapolis has been regarded as a champion of progress, but George Floyd’s death has highlighted how little that means. Being home to the headquarters of a progressive Fortune 500 company like Target did not stop the murder of George Floyd. Hosting Pride celebrations and offering “ethnic” cuisine did not stop the murder of George Floyd. Sadly, even electing highly diverse city councils did not stop the murder of George Floyd. Minneapolis, Columbus, and every city in this country, regardless of its stature, must reckon with these contradictory realities.
Smartphone cameras have revealed what progressive achievements do not. Social media has spread awareness of the reality that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) have known for generations. Protests in all 50 states demand transformative action. Dreasjon Reed lost his life at the hands of Indianapolis Police. In Louisville, Breonna Taylor’s family is mourning her death instead of celebrating her 27th birthday. Injustice encroaches on Columbus every day there is no action. While we can appreciate the sheriff’s commitment to holding officers accountable, we must know how local law enforcement is preventing police brutality from happening. We cannot put blind trust in our law enforcement, nor accept this as an appropriate expectation.
The Bartholomew County NAACP has asked, and we did not hear the answers on Thursday:
- Does the Sheriffs Department or the Columbus Police Department authorize the use of the specific choke hold used by Officer Derek Chauvin in the Minnesota video?
- Are the members of the Sheriff’s Department or the Columbus Police Department training program set up to emphasize "de-escalation" as a primary tactic in engaging with the public?
- In the case of "bad officers" in law enforcement: Does the Prosecutor’s Office have a defined policy or past practice on "How To" successfully prosecute someone in law enforcement?
Solidarity must go beyond Thursday’s performance. We must have transformative action. This can begin with being transparent and proactive. Publicly give straightforward answers to the NAACP’s questions. Also, publicly make known which of the #8cantwait (8cantwait.org) policies are already in place here and which are going to be enacted immediately. Tell Black people of Columbus how we will ensure that their names never become a hashtag. Blind trust is unacceptable. We need progressive action.
