Every day at my grant writing job, one of the first things I do is visit several philanthropic databases to see what opportunities are available. The largest of these, the Foundation Center also offers news and a regularly updated Twitter feed, which helps keep me up-to-date with current events that are impacting the philanthropic world, funding trends, etc. So it was only a matter of time before the well-meaning rich people began speaking out about Ferguson.
Now, please don’t take that remark about “well-meaning rich people” the wrong way. It’s GOOD to be well-meaning (and take it from me, bona-fide working poor person, it’s also good to be rich). But I am sorry, Mr. President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, your “Message on Ferguson is more “mess” than “message”, a bland porridge of calorie-free platitudes that ultimately says nothing at all.
An 18-year-old young man is dead, his family bereft, his community outraged. A grand jury has decided not to indict the police officer on any charge. Some – mostly white, according to public opinion polls – feel the decision is justified, based on the evidence in this particular case. Others, mostly people of color, feel the decision is another example of terrible injustices, another demonstration that all American lives are not equally valued. As we read the details, listen to countless pundits, talk with our families and friends, and simply reflect, many of us are touched by despair, fed by belief that we will never truly heal from the scarring wounds of slavery, racial violence, Jim Crow segregation, discrimination and persistent inequality.
Blah blah blah. Yadda Yadda. “Some people feel it was justified, and some don’t”: that’s all you got? This is the view from nowhere personified.
But don’t worry: the good folks at Annie E. Casey (and I have no doubt they are good folks) have a plan:
As we reflect on our history, and on our future, my deepest hope is that we can join hands and hearts to give one another the courage and support to work to fulfill this nation’s highest ideals, so that all of our children have a brighter future.
Talkin’ loud, sayin’ nothin’. And above all, don’t say anything even remotely controversial.
