By Aaron Miller-
U.S Vice President, Joe Biden, made a powerful speech when he said American’s can turn away, in reference to the injustices of racism that led to days of angry protests in reaction to the killing of George Floyd
Biden, asked Americans to ask themselves why racial injustice exists, as he said we can’t just turn away.
Biden’s speech presented him well to the American electorate as far its resonance with the regular intelligent and fair minded American.
The funeral of George Floyd brought together celebrities and sportsmen to confront an ugly reality of racism that has been a cancer in many parts of America for decades.
Mia K. Wright, the co-pastor of The Fountain of Praise church, said the funeral was a celebration of George Floyd’s life.
“In the tradition of the African-American church, this will be a home-going celebration,” Wright said.
Sports
George Floyd was a sportsman in Jack Yates High School where he graduated in Houston in 1992. He helped the football team win the state title. He also played basketball as a power forward.
Floyd died May 25 after former police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.
The senseless act got him fired and charged with second-degree murder. Three others have also been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
That won’t bring Floyd back but it maybe raise consciousness among the police that racist action against Afro Americans may not just land them in jail, but trigger wide disruptive protests that highlight racial tensions in America which can become an eye sore, exposing unacceptable injustices.
This funeral was a reminder of the need for America to show its greatness by stamping it out racism and all injustices, and showing the world that all people can be treated fairly, both suspected law breakers and actual law breakers.
Mourners at George Floyd’s Funeral Image: EPA
The service was a celebration of Floyd’s life, said Mia K. Wright, the co-pastor of The Fountain of Praise church. Biden when he turned to Floyd’s 6 year old daughter, Gianna, he asked American’s to look through her eyes and ask why racial injustice exists
“Looking through your eyes, we should also be asking ourselves why the answer is so often too cruel and painful,” he said. “Why, in this nation, do too many black Americans wake up knowing that they could lose their life in the course of just living their life?
Why does justice not roll like a river or righteousness like a mighty stream? Why?
“Ladies and gentlemen, we can’t turn away. We must not turn away. We cannot leave this moment thinking, we can once again turn away from racism,” said Biden, the expected Democratic nominee for president.
Governor’s Support
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz before the funeral called on Americans to honour the funeral pf George Floyd by
observing silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the time Mr Floyd was pinned to the ground before he died.
Floyd, described as a gentle giant, was arrested by cops after allegations that he attempted to use counterfeit money to buy cigarettes at a store in Texas. His coffin will be placed next to his mother
Charged
Four police officers involved have been sacked and charged over his death. His funeral in Houston Texas is to be widely attended and led by Reverend Al Sharpton who recently claimed that the reason for the failure of several black Americans was that the system had their knee on their necks.
The statement was metaphorical but real in many respects. It must be said even in the midst of an evil monstrous act that many black folks have to take responsibility for their own under- achievements in the same way as white folks who have underachieved in life.
Racism in America and many parts of the world is a sad reality, but not always an excuse for the many failures in life, which sometimes boils down to weak family background or unmotivated individuals
Shameful
The killing of George Floyd revealed a shameful level of insensibility that exists among many racists who become tone deaf to the legitimate complaints of racism or systemic prejudices working against them.
The police officer may by his callous actions have created a stronger will to fight against extreme levels of prejudices.
Voters
Biden’s speech gave him that presidential look which could sway voters towards him if they are sufficiently disappointed with Trump’s handling of the matter, in addition to the criticisms surrounding America’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Except that Trump still has his way of swaying public opinion unpredictably. A lot still depends on how Trump adjusts to public feeling. The impact of this funeral could easily influence election promises for the next U.S presidential elections.
It could be a potential turning point in American race relations, hopefully contributing to making America great again.