The word of the month for August is Justice.

With the way the world is today, the word that comes to my mind this month is, Justice.  Justice means the quality of being just, morally right, righteousness, equal and fair treatment, as well as a judge or magistrate.  Justice is a human right.  However, some racial groups are not always treated justly.  In regard to the justice system, everyone is supposed to have a right to a fair trial.  However, in some ethnic groups, the “fair and just,” component is overlooked, especially when the hands of the law rests within a non-minority judicial system.  As we continue to see the civil unrest and call for change, after the continuation of police brutality against black men and black women, we also continue to see unjust and unfair treatment of the violators and those who unjustly defend them.  Justice for all, isn’t just a cliché, or is it?  Justice for all, means all people, or does it? 

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We continue to see how the law works against minorities, while working unjustly for the majority.  Think about the convictions of the innocent people who are let go from prison after serving most of their lives in prison for a crime that he/she did not commit.  Think about the harsher punishment for minority offenders versus majority offenders, who commit the same, or worst crime.   Think about the unjust convictions or non-convictions of wealthy offenders.  These types of situations are usually where we see the lack of justice in the judicial system.   We have to do better as a global world, when we have to constantly be reminded that Black lives matter.  Yes, all lives matter and unfortunately, some of us have to be reminded that Black Lives are included in All Lives.  It is not about just us, it is about justice.
 

We are called to empower one another, not tear each other down.  We are all human beings, who deserve to be treated as such.  From the 60’s to the 20th century, we should not have to continue to protest about equality and human rights or fair and equal justice.   In 2020, we continue to protest in effort to get people to fully apply and embrace what the pledge of allegiance stands for, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”  Justice for all, not just a select few. 
 

Even during peaceful protest, you still see unjust treatment of attacks with pepper spray, arrests, physical violence, tear gas, and even death by shooting.  When civilians are at war, we could not be any more divided as a nation that is supposed to be indivisible.   Do not get caught up by the agitators, who turn a peaceful protest into rioting and looting, which only leads to more violence and arrest.  Keep your focus on the real cause, justice and equal rights. Partner with an organization that is passionate about a cause that you stand for and let justice finally serve all people.  Let Justice be done for all of the victims who lost their lives and/or livelihood, unjustly.

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Change.org is a non-profit organization that helps people continue to fight for fair, just and equal treatment in several different types of initiatives, so if you are truly a person who wants to see change in the world for the better; fight for just and fair treatment for all, and sign the petitions to be a part of real change. May there be Justice for George Floyd, Justice for Breonna Taylor, Justice for Tony McDade, Justice for David Jones, and everyone who was wrongfully killed by offenders who committed unjustifiable acts of violence towards others.

#BlackLivesMatter
 

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

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-Lynnette Clement