by Richard Freeman

Like many Americans and others around the world, I have been listening to my radio and engaging in conversations about the mortal shooting of Michael Brown and the events that continue to follow this tragedy.

The tragedy in Ferguson is societal “flash point.” Future historians will debate whether or not it became a “tipping point” toward fulfillment of social justice. The legacy is not only what the citizens of Ferguson make of it. Rather, it is what all of us in the United States choose to contribute.

Too many of our neighbors and relatives continue to be slain and injured by the brutality that is brought on by racism and other kinds of disempowering bigotry. This needs to become fully acknowledged as an important part of United States history. It can no longer be the disparagingly routine feature of daily current events. We are all responsible for the future of this country and we can do so much better.

On Nov. 25, I attended an informal forum in the MLK room with students and other staff. People of many different racial identities shared their thoughts and feelings. The conversation often returned to how African-American students and staff feel about having been profiled by police. Many said they sense that their lives are profoundly undervalued and considered expendable by the dominant white society.

To me, these testimonies were exquisite and contagious. I became compelled to cathartically share some of my own anguish about indirectly related experiences.

Following this forum, I continued to reflect on the Ferguson tragedy with friends and family. People listened and respectfully shared their opinions. We should hold more forums here at the high school about not just racism, but also other forms of bigotry in our society.

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