Hello, it’s me, Irina. It’s June, we are halfway to 2021. I’ve tried to start this blog entry before, typed, pressed the backspace button way too many times and then started again. This is definitely something new on my platform, different from anything I’ve ever put out there. I feel like there’s so much to say, and that there’s no question about finding a way to say it, but to just do it.
So, let me tell you where we, the world, are now.
2020 started just as any other year – for most of us it started with an early or late night shift, going back to the same-old job, coming back home to sink between the pillows and blankets on our beds. February simply flew by.
Plot twist, March brought over a pandemic: Covid-19 packed its bags and moved to Europe, for a while. I remember that on the 23rd of March the UK went into lockdown and just a few days before, my colleagues and I started working from home as a precaution. If someone had told me that the world was going to be put on hold for a couple months, I wouldn’t have believed them. And so, the entire world took a break and stayed at home. Some created nooks in their homes for offices, while the ones working on the front line went back to work every day to save lives, help out and keep the world moving. By now, we’ve gotten accustomed to social distancing, queuing outside shops and finding activities indoors to keep us somewhat busy during these times.
However, what followed was about to change the world.
George Floyd, an African-American man was murdered by a police officer.
Are you asking yourself how can this still happen in 2020?
It actually happens a lot, and not only in America, but everywhere, and it is crucial to underline the fact that we are talking here about black communities. His tragic death was the world’s breaking point – and in other words, the starting point of a worldwide movement. There is no more room for non-racism, it’s time for anti-racism.
The world has come together to fight for racial justice, be it through educating themselves, having conversations with the ones around them or spreading the word online, protesting on the streets.
Next time you see an injustice, you better speak up.
So, here we are… the world is finally waking up. Are you?
https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd
We can’t make any more excuses: this is 2020. There is a new generation rising through the ranks, and they deserve better. Get to know people from other races. Read books that challenge your preconceptions. Watch documentaries that inform your values. Be curious. And do not turn a blind eye when you come across a racist act, big or small. The time to act is now.
EDWARD ENNINFUL
Irina Iacob 