Celebration tempered by deadly shootings in Charleston
The National Black Justice Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based civil rights organization dedicated to empowering black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, celebrated the June 26 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriages in all 50 states, but the organization’s joy was tempered by the shooting deaths of 9 black people in a Charleston, South Carolina, church on June 17 in an act of terrorism by a white gunman.
“As we continue to celebrate this historic week of progress, it is imperative that we remember that the fight for justice is not over and discrimination is still alive and well in America,” said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, NBJC executive director and CEO.
“We must continue to pray for the families and the people of Charleston deeply impacted by the senseless act of violence and hate at Emanuel A.M.E. Church last week. There is still much work to be done moving forward in the pursuit of racial justice, full equality and an equitable country for all people.”
Dylann Storm Roof, 21, of Lexington, S. C., has been arrested for the murders. The church’s pastor Clementa Pinckney, 41, a longtime state senator, was also murdered. President Barack Obama eulogized Pinckney in a service during which the president sang “Amazing Grace.”
“We are here today to remember a man of God who lived by faith. A man who believed in things not seen, “President Obama said. “A man who believed there were better days ahead, off in the distance. A man of service who persevered, knowing full well he would not receive all those things he was promised, because he believed his efforts would deliver a better life for those who followed.”
The service was held the same day the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling in a case titled Obergefell v. Hodges expanded marriage equality nationwide.
The decision legalizes marriage for same-sex couples in the last 13 states, where it had been banned. Those states are: Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas. It also legalizes divorce for couples who had been married in a state that recognized same-sex marriage but moved to a state that did not.
“It is nothing like celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month with such a groundbreaking decision that moves us closer to the bedrock principle that we are all equal under the law in our nation,” said Darryl Moore, who is chairman of NBJC board and a Berkeley, California, city council member.
President Obama said, “Today is a big step in our march toward equality. Gay and lesbian couples now have the right to marry, just like anyone else.”
The celebration by NBJC and President Obama were the only African Americans shown expressing happiness about the court victory. The Chicago Tribune and CNN only showed mostly young white men and white women celebrating the decision and being interviewed about it.
Reprinted with permission from www.northstarnews.com.
