Elizabeth Warren Gives Speech on Racial Injustices in the United States
Senator Warren shakes hands with attendees
October 4, 2015
On Sunday September 27th from 4-5PM at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren gave an impassioned lecture on why Black Lives Matter and how economic inequality relates to race and what needs to be done. Senator Warren’s lecture and following discussion was offered through the free admission Getting to the Point series. The Getting to the Point series intends to educate viewers through the presentation of different individuals with unique perspectives who will discuss current events and political issues.
A welcome to Senator Warren’s talk was provided by Dr. Jean F MacCormack, President of the Edward Kennedy Institute. MacCormack’s welcome was followed by an introduction presented by Victoria Reggie Kennedy, widow of former U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, and current President of the Board, of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.
Attending Senator Warren’s speech was an incredible opportunity. She made some powerful remarks and demonstrated her intelligence and desire for change in the American political, social, and economic system. One particularly memorable remark she made in regards to racial injustice in the United States goes as follows: “I speak today with the full knowledge that I have not personally experienced and can never truly understand the fear, the oppression, and the pain that confronts African Americans every day. But none of us can ignore what is happening in this country. Not when our black friends, family, neighbors literally dear dying in the streets. Listen to the brave, powerful voices of today’s new generation of civil rights leaders. Incredible voices. Listen to them say: ‘If I die in police custody, know that I did not commit suicide.’ Watch them march through the streets, ‘hands up don’t shoot’ –not to incite a riot, but to fight for their lives. To fight for their lives. This is the reality all of us must confront, as uncomfortable and ugly as that reality may be. It comes to us to once again affirm that black lives matter, that black citizens matter, and that black families matter. Once again, the task begins with safeguarding our communities from violence. We have made progress, but it is a tragedy when any American cannot trust those who have sworn to protect and serve. This persuasive and persistent distrust isn’t based on myth. It is grounded in the reality of unjustified violence.”
To watch Senator Warren’s full speech, which I highly recommend, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPEDI2hR0dM.
