9/24/2020

My dear Friend & POTUS, DJT,

            The news from Louisville is so discouraging this morning that I am at a loss. It’s hard to hear KY Atty Gnrl, Daniel Cameron (DJC), saying that every tragic wrong does not necessarily find a cure in the criminal code, but not saying what we can do to fix the system so tragedies, like Brianna Taylor’s killing, won’t happen again. My solution is to get rid of guns, but we both know that’s not happening any time soon. We could do more to insure that the police force does what they do in England, and build consent, rather than trying to dominate the population with force. As a Black man, DJC, understands the inequities that continue to plague our country, so it’s very hard to hear him calmly explain how the law does not provide justice to be served in this case.

            You will see some angry folk when you visit Charlotte today, & I know you will accuse them of “rioting.” A few of them may let their anger get out of control, but most just want everyone to see their pain.

            I encourage you to head over to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts during your visit to Charlotte. They aim to “close the cultural divide and to develop sustainable ways to promote diversity, inclusion and equity across the community” using art rather than violence to enable people to express themselves and be seen.

            Please try to understand the broken hearts all around the USA today as folks are reminded once again that racial injustice persists. Please acknowledge the pain & avoid talking about how great the police are. Instead you can talk about how great the artists are. That would be a welcome change.

            HYITL,