The death of George Floyd – displayed on digital devices around the world – amplifies the fact that this is not a Black problem to solve; it is a front-and-center problem confronting all of America that we must address by taking action. People of all colors were gripped in horror watching a police officer, charged with serving and protecting the public, pin down the throat of an unarmed, unresistant Black man – for 8 minutes and46 seconds. For many, the atrocity is too obvious to ignore. Ultimately, it is an SOS for our democracy.
We are at this crossroads because a teenager with a smartphone had the presence of mind to film and then broadcast this recurring nightmare for some and news story in rotation for others. Eight minutes and 46 seconds of footage circled the globe at the speed of light and put us on the path to policies that connect us rather than divide us. As legislators look to craft real solutions, the legacy of Congressman Lewis lives on in protestors of all ages and colors. The outcry for accountability in policing and action on many other pervasive problems plaguing America, from economic disparity to unequal access to quality education and health care, requires strong policies that support modern communications technology.
Judging by the solidarity of voices of all ages, genders and colors – both nationally and internationally – we are capable of working together and crossing the racial divide, at last. Representative Lewis’ words still ring true: “We are one people with one family. We all live in the same house.” As our nation uses this opportunity to get its “house” in order, technology will continue to play a key role in keeping us honest and moving forward.
—kim keenan is co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance and the longest-serving female general counsel of NAACP.
