Editor’s Letter: Let’s Talk About Race

Dear Family,

It’s never just one event that sparks a movement. There are many. Suddenly, though, there is that one that is so powerful that we have no choice but to address. We can name those events, events including the killing of Emmett Till and the arrest of Rosa Parks. These events birthed the Civil Rights Movement. Now we can name the events that gave rise to Black Lives Matter – Treyvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland. Then there were the cries of “I can’t breathe” uttered by both Eric Garner and George Floyd, whose unconscionable and callous killing is forever engrained in our minds. George Floyd’s death opened the nation’s eyes and angered us all. This movement also ushered in the urgency to remove confederate symbols. How can a country heal, grow and progress if the symbols that divide us stand in prominence? How do we heal, grow and progress if we don’t address the laws, policies and practices that perpetuate systemic racism?

 The conversation on RACE is important as we work to become a stronger nation. This month we decided to dedicate this issue to the subject of race. At ColorsVA, we wanted to bring this conversation local, to make it personal. We wanted you to have the opportunity to read perspectives from members of the community that you know and respect. We wanted to hear from leaders in localities to gain an awareness of where they stand on the matter of confederate symbols that divide us. Further, we want to understand why people are in the streets protesting. We are affording an opportunity to explore the complications of race. I think what we are introducing in this issue expands the conversation and will move SWVA in a direction we all yearn to be.

 There is no single way to end racism. And the question should not be how, but rather when. The answer is now. Each of us must play a role in ending racism. Yesterday was the beginning. Tomorrow is the path forward.