On behalf of the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University, I want to say that I have no new words to describe our collective shock, horror and grief at the murders in Minnesota, Texas and Louisiana. The hate, fear, and rage that motivate, encourage, and to some, legitimate the actions of those responsible for these days of blood, tragedy and tears are at this point all too familiar. Yet, we can never believe murder is normal. It is not acceptable. We grieve. We mourn. We rage. We stand in solidarity with all who believe in freedom. I have no new words, but offer these from Ella Baker, performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock as both a moment of meditation and call to continued struggle.
Noliwe Rooks
Interim Chair
Africana Studies and Research Center
Cornell University
