There are pivotal moments in our lives, the images of which remain etched in our memories, ten, twenty, thirty years on, shaping the person we become. Such moments might be inspirational and beautiful, filled with joy and love. And others sad and tragic – leaving us distraught and in disbelief of personal or social injustice.
Those old enough cannot forget the haunting footage of the mass famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s, followed by the atrocities in the Balkans and carnage in Rwanda – to name a few. In such times of horror, the world has looked to America for its leadership and aid, assuming its historic role of guardian to many, embodying freedom and justice.
Today, footage of George Floyd in the hands of America’s police leaves us with an indelible scar. We cannot forget how a man was so brutally maltreated and ultimately murdered because of the color of his skin. While in 2020 we contemplate technological feats thought unimaginable 30 years ago, we are living in the unfortunate reality that racial equality today is still a fantasy.
Lest we forget, there have been so many others before George Floyd – hundreds, thousands, millions. However, the ubiquity of the mobile camera and social media cannot masquerade the truth this time. We simply cannot ignore it.
Today we, like so many others, unite with one voice to shout “Enough!”. Just as we united to fight a global pandemic, it’s time to put an end to another scourge. We want the basic human right of respect and dignity for all – irrespective of gender, sex, religion and color of skin.
America – it’s time to regain a place on the world stage and restore our reputation for moral leadership. Now. Not tomorrow. Today.
We stand together, united, in solidarity, for one and for all.
Nadja Pinnavaia Ph.D.
Founder & CEO
plantable