The ongoing pandemic is reminding everyone in this time of crisis that as Americans we should be rallying and working together. Yet, the painful friction of racism continues to impact our lives. 

The execution of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was jogging in South Georgia, shows the imbedded stench of racism is still here and remains prominent in our community. I know people would be concerned about the use of the word “execution,” however this is what I see in the video supplied by a man following the father and son accused of killing Arbery. Their actions on display in the video for all the world to see, surfaced one emotion – tired! I am emotionally tired of seeing our young African American men continuing to die unnecessary due to actions of the ignorant in communities with out-of-touch folk. 

With the rise of unemployment among African Americans and the health impact of COVID-19 among blacks and people of color, I remain tired!

The district attorney in the area where young Arbery was murdered took 10 weeks to issue arrests warrants for Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael. Gregory McMichael, a former police officer who supposedly was trained to understand proper procedure, ignored all protocol and took matters in his own hands and allowed his son to do the same. Arbery was “armed” with only his t-shirt, shorts and running shoes. 

I am praying our country’s judicial system does not offer up a different set of standards as sometimes has happened in the past. If that happens, I fear there will be an unprecedented backlash from the African American community. 

This whole country is under mental distress right now due to the pandemic. We as a community are tired, anxious and fearful on what the future will bring. I hope swift justice comes to the Arbery family. And I hope situations such as this one never happens again. As difficult as it might appear, let us continue to work on mentally balancing ourselves and never lose focus on the issues that continue to impact communities of color. 

RIP MR. AHMAUD ARBERY