This week, a jury convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on all charges related to the murder of George Floyd. This week in OtherWords, we offer a variety of perspectives on rebuilding racial justice and equity.
Imani Countess begins with a global view. She points out that Floyd’s murder prompted protests not just across the U.S., but across the world. Drawing on her experience in the global anti-apartheid movement in the 1980s, she says these global movements are still possible — and, with challenges like a pandemic and climate change, more necessary than ever.
Other writers look at different ways to build Black wealth in this country.
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Joshua Devine show how pre-existing inequalities made the pandemic recession far harder for Black-owned businesses and offer solutions to help them rebuild. Rebekah Entralgo reflects on the Black-led Amazon union drive in Alabama and argues that future drives deserve protection from corporation interference.
Domenica Ghanem shares a common sense case for reparations (from a surprising source!). And Jill Richardson explains what a proposed Louisiana chemical plant can teach us about environmental racism.
Also this week, Jim Hightower praises the Biden administration for going big on infrastructure.
New This Week…
Thinking Globally About Racial Justice | Imani Countess
From the pandemic to climate change to police violence, today’s crises require global collaboration on a scale never seen before.
Labor Laws Need New Teeth | Rebekah Entralgo
Union drives aren’t stopping. Workers deserve the right to a fair vote, without corporate interference.
Rebuilding Black-Owned Businesses After COVID-19 | Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Joshua Devine
The pandemic hit Black entrepreneurs especially hard. To recover, we need to treat the pre-existing conditions.
To Some, Reparations Are Common Sense | Domenica Ghanem
Three white Jeopardy contestants recently thought reparations had already been paid. It made me feel strangely optimistic.
A Textbook Case of Environmental Injustice | Jill Richardson
People of color are more likely to be exposed to pollution than white people. A proposed Louisiana plastics plant shows how.
America, Go Big Again | Jim Hightower
Joe Biden may be a lifelong, go-slow politician, but his infrastructure plan is a serious, ambitious investment in the public good.
Peaceful Nukes | Khalil Bendib
Japan has begun dumping wastewater from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean.
In Case You Missed It…
Voter Suppression Is an Attack on Democracy — And My Faith | Robert P. Alvarez
My faith teaches me to stand with the marginalized, whose voting rights are now under sustained assault.
Protect Care Workers — You’ll Need Us Someday | Socorro Diaz
All we’re asking is for the same rights and protections other workers enjoy.
Stop Calling It a ‘Border Crisis’ | Rachel Pak
People escaping violence have a right to seek safety. If they can’t, that’s the real crisis.
Biden’s Jobs Plan Will Help Seniors Get Care at Home | Rebekah Entralgo
By supporting quality home care, the plan will help seniors avoid dangerous, for-profit nursing facilities.
