The job of an editorial board is not solely to make declarative statements on issues; its real purpose is to raise issues, make observations, present truth and ask meaningful questions.
In the midst of a pandemic, peaceful protests for justice and civil unrest, we’re grappling with a host of sobering observations and difficult questions, but the voices that appear in these pages bring more experience and perspective than we could hardly put forward.
Today, recognizing that answers and sustainable solutions will take time, we offer insights and words from those who have helped us to think and query. Reading and reflecting on them would be time well spent for all in the community.
On Friday, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall penned a letter to her neighbors inviting them to join her “in rising to meet this opportunity to build a more just and inclusive America head on.” She continues, “We must collectively commit to this critical work in the months and years ahead with an open heart, mind and imagination. To that I would add an abundant measure of kindness and grace.”
Mendenhall writes, “The tapestry of America’s history has been sewn together with justice and injustice, freedom and oppression, with protest often being the bold, bright thread stitching new cloth to old. The moment of Floyd’s murder began one such movement, a rending that, ironically, holds the potential healing of the hearts of so many Americans — especially those who have been crying out for centuries and the many new voices that can no longer be silent.”
Sewing back together the hearts of communities and this nation can only happen if each person plays their part.
Similarly, when elected officials and citizens come together, great moments can happen.
On the floor of the United States Senate last week, Utah’s Sen. Mike Lee quoted Malik Dayo, who organized a rally to honor George Floyd in Ogden. The two later exchanged Facebook messages.
Dayo wrote, “We can never lose hope in the goodness of one another as human beings. I promise you that I will continue to protest peacefully with honor and properly represent the state of Utah. I will always put the safety of the citizens first. Bless you for standing with the movement toward justice and equality.”
The senator responded, “Thank you for your leadership, and like you said, ‘We’re all part of the same community.” Lee also noted the crowd shook hands with law enforcement and took time to recognized fallen Ogden police officer Nate Lyday.
On Sunday, Desert News published a letter to America by Theresa Dear, a national board member of the NAACP and a Chicago resident. She pleads, “We can learn from the past, participate in the present and influence the future” by following seven things every American can do to dismantle racism, promote freedom and heal the nation.
We have also learned from Deseret News reporter Jason Lee, who detailed the perils of being black in America; Julie Boyé, who provided an intimate view into the racial experiences of her husband, Alex; and independent pollster Scott Rasmussen who presented public opinion data showing Americans agree on much of what needs to change regarding prejudice and discrimination. He is puzzled why abhorrent attitudes and behaviors persist.
So are we.
Rejecting hate, promoting understanding, calling for needed reform, listening and engaging in elevating conversations are all good places to start.
We will continue to listen, observe, learn and shine light on truth. The only declaration for today is that prejudice and hate will not prevail if “we the people” rise up to meet the challenge with conviction and grace. We humbly ask you to join us.