Finding Hope: The Will To Keep Fighting

By: Selma Farsakh Ulm

Donzel’s podcast this week is about what has and hasn’t changed since the murder of George Floyd. I live in Philadelphia, Philly for short. Less than a year ago, in September 2023, Eddie Irizarry, a Black man was shot in his car by a police officer. Today, America is up in arms about the murder of Sonya Massey at the hands of police officers– again. As I, and most of our generation, gained consciousness our peers were getting shot for being Black. I remember being 10 going to protests to support Tamir Rice’s family. As we became teenagers we watched Ahmad Arbery, Breyona Taylor, George Floyd, and so many more be brutally murdered wrongfully at the hands of the police. 

It feels like a cyclical, painful story we are living through: when will we be removed from this cycle of violence? When will it end? When will we have to stop hearing reports about murders? When will innocent lives be free from subjugation to the random biased will of a police officer? I have found it challenging as a member of my generation to continue having hope in these times. To continue working and fighting.

However, ARCC gives me hope. Its alternative formats of education on anti-racism keep me going. I am continually inspired by the dedication and excitement alums of this organization have. If they can keep going so can I, and so can you. 

Get help at:

Philadelphia’s Black Women’s Health Alliance: https://www.pbwha.org/

The Loveland Foundation (get grants for therapy): https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

The Ladipo Group: https://theladipogroup.com/

To learn more about Mr. Irzarry visit: https://abcnews.go.com/US/philadelphia-officer-shot-eddie-irizarry-car-surrenders-police/story?id=103027894To learn more about Ms. Massey visit: https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/23/us/sonya-massey-police-shooting-what-went-wrong/index.html