Learning About Before And Planning For 2024: Part 2
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Last week, I started a journey of reflecting on the information I've shared via this column in 2023. This week, we will explore the content that was shared from the middle of April through July. My primary objective with this column is to establish a connection between the past and our present and future. I truly believe that the past is coming back to haunt our current reality, validating John F. Kennedy's statement: "History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future." The only path toward gaining more control over our future lies in gaining a better understanding of our history. This recap serves as a reminder of the topics we have covered this year and how they are connected to our future.
After the Easter reflection in April, gun violence became the main topic for the rest of the month. In a column titled "Gone Too Soon," I mourned the tragic death of a six-month-old baby who was shot and killed in Muskegon, Michigan. I shared alarming statistics of children falling victim to gun violence in the United States, highlighting the need for us to address the trauma, mental health issues, poverty, and educational inequities that often contribute to this type of violence. I also expressed my concern about our desensitization to gun violence and spoke about the collective action needed to create safer communities. Later that month, with so much going on, I wrote about the need to find healthy coping strategies. I encouraged everyone to stay informed but to try to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to seek positive stories and accounts of resilience amidst the challenges in our current culture.
Over a seven-week period in May and June of 2023, I wrote a series of articles addressing some of the current threats to our freedom. In one column, I addressed the "War on Woke" initiated by rightwing politicians. I highlighted some of the potential threats it poses to freedom, especially the freedom to protest and voice concerns. I also tried to connect being "woke" to faith and our moral compass, arguing against legalistic and judgmental interpretations of the Bible while advocating for love and acceptance. Throughout the series, I discussed the freedom to read, learn, and make our own choices, emphasizing how all of these things are in jeopardy with book banning, censorship, and forced conformity. After the killing of Ajike "AJ" Owens in Ocala, Florida, and the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl in Kansas City, Missouri, by a white homeowner after he went to the wrong house to pick up his brothers, I wrote about the threats to our freedom to exist. Finally, I closed out the series by writing about Juneteenth and our right to vote.
In June, we also celebrated Black Music Month. I covered the death of musician, humanitarian, and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte, who passed away on April 25, 2023. Belafonte was a trailblazer who used his celebrity status to promote social change, and we should honor his legacy in activism and entertainment. In an article titled "Lena, Nina, and Tina: With Gratitude," I highlighted the importance of knowing the stories of Lena Horne, Nina Simone, and Tina Turner. Lena Horne, known for her resilience and refusing to accept demeaning roles, was a renowned singer and civil rights activist who inspired generations. Nina Simone, a child prodigy in music, used her powerful songs to address social issues and became an iconic artist and activist. Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, passed away on May 24, 2023 but she demonstrated remarkable resilience, strength, and talent throughout her career.
John F. Kennedy's quote, "History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future," resonates with the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action this year. To understand the significance of this ruling, we reflected on the 1978 decision in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, which upheld affirmative action as a means to foster diversity and open pathways to leadership for all qualified individuals regardless of race. Fast forward to June 29, 2023, and the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision deemed race-conscious college admissions unlawful. Chief Justice John Roberts argued against using race to benefit or harm individuals, advocating for colorblindness in law. However, this overlooks the historical and systemic racism that has led to disparities in education, income, and housing, highlighting that the past's impacts still persist. This ruling jeopardizes diversity and representation, affecting not only college campuses but also employment, economics, and our social and legal structures. It underscores the need to address racial bias and implement mechanisms for a more equitable society, challenging us to consider the society we wish to shape as history rushes into the future. "Take heed of your history, or we will be forced to live our past."
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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