How Progress Comes From Tragedy
By: Ava Kruszewski
After listening to ARCC’s new episode, George Floyd Four Years Later—What’s Changed? I resonated with Tiffani Daniels’s idea that progress in this country often comes from tragedy. If you go back through the history of this country, we can see how we progressed in ways that came from either an issue or an incident that has happened—many solutions were made to keep this country safe and protected. A lot of decisions have been made to protect us from issues like food, for example, 9/11 when security was put in airports. Thinking about some of the decisions that I have made, I realized they were either to defend myself, whether it is my identity, or to make sure I don’t fall a path that cool could lead me to a tragedy.
In the episode, they mentioned the effects of George Floyd. While during that time, almost everyone was on a mission to protect African Americans in this country. With certain events that have made more headlines and topics, especially with the upcoming election, we have lost this willing perseverance, power, and determination. We do not want to have more tragedy that will have us make another solution that comes out of a situation and not for a reason it could happen, not because it did. If you think about it, there has been a shift towards politics in the last few years. We can move in a positive direction that will keep the legacy of George Floyd and others affected by this cause.
Hearing this quote makes me think and realize how sometimes people, even myself, have been in a situation where there is this plateau of staying neutral and not preserving more than I should. Examples that I can think for myself in decisions I have made, especially with people, whether friends or family. There were people in my life I knew I should have let go sooner than later, and it did not turn out well. I wish I had listened to my instincts immediately instead of trying to please others. This is still a work-in-progress situation, but now I know when to let go of people if I do not think they will aid or be helpful in my life.
ARCC is on the path and journey to give people hope with the proper education and tools for anti-racism. I preserve myself with ARCC and inspire others to put in as much dedication and joy as I have been with ARCC. Being with ARCC has made me feel more confident about how to prevent anti-racism and educate others. I feel honored and privileged that I got to spend my summer with ARCC and work with dedicated people. If you would like to learn more, please join the ARCC coalition.
