George Floyd, an African American from Minneapolis was murdered last week in one of the most despicable displays of police brutality ever recorded. The event spurred protests in almost every major city in the country and a few unfortunate riots.
Below are a few of my opinions on the matter:
Racism is more prevalent in America than I thought possible.
Police officers are not all racists, but there is a culture of racism that infects the law enforcement community at almost every level nationwide, and it will not change until law enforcement managers are fired, pensions are lost and perpetrators are jailed.
People who were unmoved by Floyd’s murder but critical about the protesters aren’t just part of the problem, they are the problem.
Racism and economic disparity are the biggest threats to the American system.
Eliminating systemic racism in our society will require an all-hands-on-deck effort.
Prayers, warm thoughts, and social media posts are nice, but they won’t end racism or make a material difference.
Only voting and donating money to candidates and organizations who stand firmly against racism in all forms will get the job done.
Some of the organization’s that have a strong history of fighting racism are:
I tell my kids that playing the victim will get you nowhere. But that mindset should not conflict with our collective effort to create a more level playing field. Does a child born in South Central LA or in the slums of Atlanta have the same access to health care, a good public education, mentorship, and capital as a child from Brentwood or Tuxedo Park? And am I playing the victim if I even asked that question?
A friend recently told me, “If demographics were all that mattered, we would have already won.” Latinos are driving homeownership growth and contributing enormously to the American economy. Yet we are still asking for a seat at the table. I believe the reason comes down to wealth: how much we control and what it allows us to do. In Episode 97 of The Latino Brand, I explain why wealth belongs at the center of our agenda. It gives us the resources to fund the businesses, institutions and political campaigns that shape our future. I hope you’ll watch.
I’ve always believed sports are one of the most powerful stages in American culture. The people we celebrate—and the people who own the teams and institutions behind them—help shape how the country sees leadership, success, and possibility. In Episode 96, I share why José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones’ purchase of the San Diego Padres feels bigger than baseball, and why this moment could mark a tipping point for Black and Latino visibility, wealth, and power.