Reflections on Racism, Bigotry, Injustice, and Hatred

The March 2020 heartbreaking events that occurred over the past few weeks have left me heartbroken.

Watching the hatred, the racism, the bigotry unfold is painful.

Though there has been much progress, there is still MUCH work to be done. We must never stop fighting for what’s right. And, though I’m at a loss for words, I cannot remain silent in the face of evil.

I hope the following 10 quotes will inspire us all to reflect and rally together against racism, bigotry, injustice and hatred…

“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
― Kofi Annan

“If we wish to ensure everyone’s peace and happiness we need to cultivate a healthy respect for the diversity of our peoples and cultures, founded on an understanding of this fundamental sameness of all human beings.” – Dalai Lama

“What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.” – Albert Einstein

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” –Nelson Mandela

“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man – the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” –Abraham Joshua Heschel

“If tolerance, respect and equity permeate family life, they will translate into values that shape societies, nations and the world.” –Kofi Annan

“The best way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” –John Roberts

“But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in darkness.” -1 John 2:11

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.

I still believe our best days are ahead and that Dr. King’s dream will indeed be a reality, SOMEDAY… I still believe that our commonalities will prevail over our differences. I still believe…

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were wrongfully injured and killed during the heinous events of the past few weeks.