Jun 7, 2020
CREATING UNITY
It is 2:25 pm on Saturday, June 6th, 2020, my mom, sister and I are in front of Cup Foods, on 38th and Chicago Ave where George Floyd was murdered. Floyd, a 46-year old man, died on May 25, 2020, when a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, while he was lying face down handcuffed on the street (BBC).
We came to bring flowers and show our support to the grieving community for all the Black lives that have been unjustly lost at the hands of law enforcement.
Today the energy is peaceful, sad, inspiring. A circular memorial is constructed at the intersection with flowers and signs. There are two people blowing mournful sounds from an animal horn, and shortly after, a throng of people fall to their knees in prayer. The mood of the crowd feels like a celebration to honor Floyd’s life as well as a time to unite and a place to champion for change.
Many people are giving away free food, masks, water bottles, clothes, and more at the scene. That’s where we met Dr. Charles Karuku, the pastor of International Outreach Church. And here is what he had to say:
Karuku started telling us his take on the horrific incident revolving Floyd’s murder. He said, “This is not a skin issue, this is a sin issue.” Forgiveness is the answer and the only way we can move forward. Karuku said there are three main issues in the world right now that need to be focused on: Justice, peace, and reconciliation. “We need to heal deep cuts and wounds.” He is the author of a book called “Forgiveness Therapy: When Forgiveness is the only Cure.”
You can order/check out his book here: https://bit.ly/ForgivnessTherapy.
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