The plea was simple: Can we all get along?
Thirty years later, our society can’t seem to find a way to say “yes.”
The tragic mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs is another heartbreaking reminder of how little things have changed since Rodney King, a Black man beaten by police during his arrest, made that televised appeal.
Pundits of every persuasion are already trying to explain, or even rationalize, this latest act of violence. But here’s what we know:
- In 2019, 1,203,808 violent crimes occurred in the United States.
- 56% of U.S. hate crimes in 2019 were motivated by the race, ethnicity or ancestry of victims.
- LGBTQ+ people are four times more likely to be victims of violence.
- Every day in America, 321 people are shot; 22 of them are children.
- This cadence of bloodshed goes on. Just yesterday, six people were gunned down at a Walmart in Virginia.
Of course, the victims of these horrible acts aren’t the ones failing to get along. Rather, it’s the penchant among too many in our polarized society to turn to violent means out of prejudice or anger or resentment.
For the sake of our communities, of those under threat, and of everyone, that must change.
Strong, caring communities reject hatred and hostility. Strong, caring communities come alongside all people, particularly those most under threat because of their sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, gender, economic status, or other identities. Strong, caring communities strive for every person to be valued, thriving and connected for the common good.
We each have a role in this work. At United Way, we partner with hundreds of organizations to meet basic needs, to support families struggling to be financially stable, to advocate for historically under-represented and marginalized people, to collaborate on ways to address gun violence, and much more. Yet we’re just one part of the answer.
Changing things requires a united effort—a shared vision and a collective commitment to supporting one another, to caring for one another. To getting along.
Stopping the hate and violence is bigger than any of us. But it’s not bigger than all of us.