A Statement on Racial Injustice

Written by Weruche George | Photography & Videography © Rachel Peet

Racial injustice has gone on for far too long in this country and needs to come to an end. I’m quite happy America is finally on its knees, confronting this dark side, and hopefully, we’ll see efforts taken to fix the wrongs.

Regarding the killing of George Floyd — it was difficult for my kids and me to watch how that man’s life was taken from him, while he begged until his last breath.

Likewise, weeks after I found out how Breonna Taylor died in her house, I couldn’t speak about it because it hit too close to home for me as a black woman. Sadly, I too have faced racial discrimination at different levels of society, since I arrived here 15 years ago. 

The killing of innocent black people needs to stop. 

I believe one way to deal with this is to make systemic changes. The American education system needs a complete overhaul that incorporates inclusive education while highlighting history accurately.

We need to encourage black history to be told not only from the point of view of slavery. For this reason, educating the West about Africa devoid of stories about poverty, strife and war is imperative.

We need more stories and reflections on the culture and diversity that should be preserved and honored, the creativity of the different tribes and ethnic groups, the beauty and innovation of the people and so much more. These stories will help preserve the dignity of blacks.

Finally, it’s important to hold the West accountable for slavery, which is why I advocate for reparations for descendants of slavery. Believe me, this would not be enough to erase centuries of loss and pain, but it’ll be a start. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights…” Let’s not forget this.

Black lives do matter, and this should be represented at different levels of society. 

—Weruche U. George, Asylee from Nigeria