The Racist killings of 9 black church members in Charleston by a white supremacist on June 17 shocked the world and reactions from commentators have made mention of the legacy of slavery. For example:
“The killings in the church were indeed a terrorist act, part of the continuing terror of white violence that has threatened black men, women, and children ever since they were brought to the United States to be slaves. From the beginning, racism was a social construct to justify the enormous economic profit of turning children of God into chattel property. And that system of white supremacy has always used the practice and fear of violence against innocent black people to enforce itself. That’s terrorism.” Jim Wallis (full article).
Also worth reading: “America can’t wash out the stain of slavery” – title of an article by Justin Webb – and:
“These shootings reveal an America still shackled to the ghosts of slavery” – title of an article by Amanda Freeman.
“The killings in the church were indeed a terrorist act, part of the continuing terror of white violence that has threatened black men, women, and children ever since they were brought to the United States to be slaves. From the beginning, racism was a social construct to justify the enormous economic profit of turning children of God into chattel property. And that system of white supremacy has always used the practice and fear of violence against innocent black people to enforce itself. That’s terrorism.” Jim Wallis (full article).
Also worth reading: “America can’t wash out the stain of slavery” – title of an article by Justin Webb – and:
“These shootings reveal an America still shackled to the ghosts of slavery” – title of an article by Amanda Freeman.
And before we in the UK dismiss this as an American problem, let us not forget our country’s part in the slave trade. In what ways is this legacy also present in our society, maybe so hidden and subtle that we no longer see it? God sees it.
