Continuing to post a few of the meditations I wrote in my journal during the first year or more of the pandemic. This one goes back to almost a year ago, and as I write now the trial for the murder of George Floyd has concluded with a guilty verdict. We don't know if this is a sign of change for larger justice, or just one case of justice won.
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, this hymn/poem is filled with reference to the suffering of African Americans (the bitter chastening rod), and their hope for a better and more just future.
This has become known as the black national anthem.
Every line stands for the struggle and suffering, the hope and faith of the “march until victory is won”. Sing a song of faith that the past has taught us, Sing a song of hope that the present has brought us. Now, we are ten days into the protests and the deepening commitment of those who march for justice after the death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. Peaceful assemblies of thousands in many cities under the banner of “Black Lives Matter”. Some counter protesters disrupt and threaten the BLM marches. Violence erupts.
I ponder the word hope. I am not in a position to even come close to understanding the black experience in this country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyS3HPInHtI
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