In light of the June 17 racially charged shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, women activists are urging for people to come together and stand in solidarity to end racial violence all over the world.
In a bold act of peace Bree Newsome scaled the flagpole outside the South Carolina Statehouse and took down the confederate flag—a flag that represents Southern political resistance and became racially charged during the Civil Rights movement when desegregation became the focus of that resistance. Newsome stated, “It’s time for a new chapter where we are sincere about dismantling white supremacy and building toward true racial justice and equality.”
Michelle Alexander, female activist and author of “The New Jim Crow”, took to social media and commended the outpouring of forgiveness that the families of the victims offered to the shooter Dylan Roof. Meanwhile, activist Desmera Gatewood addressed a crowd of protestors in Durham, South Carolina, and stressed the importance of raising social awareness of privileges that manifest from racism.
In Ottawa, the Nobel Women’s Initiative also organized a vigil to remember the victims of the Charleston shootings in South Carolina, and to stand together to call for an end to racial violence in our communities. Over 30 people gathered to remember the lives of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr.
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Activist pulls down Confederate flag in front of South Carolina statehouse, The Guardian, 27 June 2015.
Durham activists commemorate Charleston victims, Duke Chronicle, 21 June 2015.
TAKE ACTION
Pressure government officials to change public policy and strive for racial equality.
Organize and be part of a dialogue on race.