How to Use Anger as a Catalyst for Action
Posted June 4, 2020 • Change,Emotional Intelligence,News • by Jennifer Goldman-Wetzler, Ph.D.
Source: Donovan Valdivia for Unsplash
Like so many, I am overcome by anger and sadness over the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other egregious killings and injustices that continue to be perpetrated against Black people in America.
The civil rights leaders of our day—including those at the NAACP, the National Urban League and many others–have designated today, Thursday, June 4th, 2020, as a National Day of Mourning.
As the organizers have urged, we can use this solemn pause to both mourn, and also to consider how to turn our anger and grief into constructive action to build a country based on justice for all.
One way to spend this National Day of Mourning is to be inspired by:
- This heartfelt plea for thoughtful action by Lee Pelton, President of Emerson College;
- This impassioned televised speech by rapper Killer Mike at the Atlanta Mayor’s Press Conference;
- The policy work of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights and its designating today a National Day of Mourning to inspire thoughtful action.
…And to increase racial justice (just a few actions to get started):
- Donate to Campaign Zero to end police violence in the US;
- Support social justice campaigns through Color of Change;
- Learn by reading, watching and listening to resources in the Anti-racist Allyship Starter Pack;
- Register to Vote by Mail / absentee ballot during the pandemic;
- Reach out to Black family, friends and colleagues to offer help, love and support.
I hope we will each use the resources we have within us—our voices, our bodies, our writing, our time, our money, our friendship, our love, and our votes—to create the change we wish to see in our country and our world.
The enormity of the racial injustice that has been present for 400 years in America is overwhelming. Every action to increase justice is meaningful. And the time to take action is, has been, and will always be now.
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