The harm caused by the racially motivated attacks at the Dollar General in Jacksonville, FL, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, extends beyond the immediate victims, creating a ripple effect of fear and trauma throughout the Black community. These attacks, rooted in the toxic soil of white supremacy, have instilled a pervasive sense of insecurity, undermining people’s freedom to live without fear. From the emotional toll on the victims and their families to the negative impacts on mental health across the community, the consequences are far-reaching and profound. This is not just about physical violence; it’s about the inherent right to live with dignity, to enjoy the same freedoms and securities as everyone else. 

It’s no surprise that these horrific events persist, given the climate created by ineffectual and toxic politicians who embolden those with weak convictions. This political environment, steeped in divisive rhetoric and thinly veiled racism, serves as fertile ground for the seeds of hatred and intolerance. Such leaders not only fail to condemn these racially motivated attacks, but their inflammatory speeches and policies often fan the flames of bigotry, giving tacit approval to those who wish to act on their worst impulses. The disturbing rise in these attacks is a stark reminder that political discourse can have real, tangible consequences, especially when it is laced with white supremacy. It underscores the critical need for leaders who will take a stand against racism and advocate for the safety and rights of all community members.

Despite the grim realities, we are not powerless in the face of these racially motivated attacks. Each of us, individually and collectively, has the potential to effect meaningful change. It begins with our personal attitudes, with challenging our unconscious biases and educating ourselves about the experiences and struggles of those who are different from us. It extends to our actions, from the conversations we have with family and friends to the way we vote and the causes we support, as well as our demands for action – demands that our representatives enact policies that address institutional racism and promote equality and justice. We need to raise our voices, rally, protest, and let it be known that we will not tolerate racism in any form. Change is possible, but it requires that each of us take responsibility and actively work to dismantle the structures of white supremacy that underpin our society.

My heart goes out to the families who have been impacted by these senseless acts of violence. I am deeply frustrated and saddened that this is the daily reality for Black communities, living in constant fear and uncertainty, wondering if they could be the next victims of these racially motivated attacks. This is not the kind of society that any of us should accept. This violence is a harsh reminder of the urgency that exists to dismantle the structures of white supremacy and to actively work toward a society where race is no longer a determiner of safety, opportunity, or justice. The time to act is now – for justice, for equality, and for the health of our communities and our democracy.