In 2022, we witnessed the outcries and protests by the Iranian people following the murder of Mahsa Amini by Iran’s Morality Police. Mahsa’s murder inspired many, both in Iran and worldwide, to raise their voices against this injustice. The hard truth is that the regime is still in power and cracking down hard on those who choose to stand up. This cracking down has not deterred the masses.  Many are still choosing to stand in their power, often accepting their own peril as consequence.  The rest of us, inspired by their bravery,  remain in solidarity with our Iranian brothers and sisters.

On November 19, 2022, the LGBTQIA+ community grappled with the tragedy inflicted upon them at Club Q in Colorado Springs. Innocent people gathered to have a good time. Instead, they were victims of an onslaught of hatred that injured at least 19 people and killed Daniel Aston, Raymond Green Vance, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, and Derrick Rump.

Since taking power in August of 2021, the Taliban continues to strip women and girls of fundamental rights and freedoms, including access to education. Afghanistan has shut down schools for women and girls. When they tried to protest this incredulous clamp down on their freedoms, the women were quickly shut down by the Taliban.  We can appreciate how devasting this action is and hope this regression in Afghanistan stops.

Injustice is happening all around us. Near and far. You may not feel or acknowledge a deep connection to any of the examples I’ve provided here. Still, it’s important to remember Dr. King’s words:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

We must stand in solidarity and fight for what is right.  We must stand against injustice anywhere and everywhere.  If not, the next instance may be in our backyard. The next headline might be about our own family members.  We might be conversing about being robbed of our own rights.

Our collective power can change things.  Read. Have tough conversations. Learn more about other cultures and communities.  Demand more of our media outlets. Hold our policymakers accountable. Show support even when it’s inconvenient. Demand more from ourselves and each other.

And we must, because injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”-MLK

Dr. Lisa