A “Dream” to Enact a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Commission in America
As a foster child, I always dreamed of and valued knowing the truth…
Nearly 60 years ago, The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood before a nation divided offering a message of healing and transformation: “ …. we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood…. we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”
Reflecting on Dr. King’s wisdom and vision, I wondered if the “one day” he spoke of could be our today? Could it be a day soon to come in 2021? Answers and hopes arose but then were tempered with the realization that without the truth and its consequences of America’s human enslavement which we refuse to acknowledge and confront — is exactly what holds us back from the true freedom Dr. King foretold.
Were we, however, to enact a national commission similar to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, America could then begin a healing process. The process of investigating and addressing abuses and consequential damages committed by the state and non-state forces over history would allow Americans to contribute to a peaceful transition to democracy and the actualization of democratic principles. This while avoiding a cycle of emotion and non-fact based revenge actions, as exemplified by the January 6, 2021 insurrection on the United States Capitol.
Looking forward to 2021, Dr. King’s quote is refreshing to the imagination concerning liberation and freedom because it can be seen through its reflection in the leadership of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). She is turning protest into policy. This week, during “Truth Week,” February 2021, there will be the reintroduction of H.Con.Res. 100 urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation.
As a former foster youth, I always dreamed of and valued knowing the truth of my existence — I wanted to know who my real birth parents were and the conditions of their lives. On a national and societal level, repair and restoration with the purpose of ultimate democratization require that the truth of centuries of human rights abuses and consequences on the basis of race must be foundational in understanding and agreed upon. Accordingly, the denials, rationalizations, omissions, and anti-democratic mythologies, must be exposed as lies and mendacity. One proverbial quote that I am reminded of is “One lie can destroy a thousand truths.” - stated by Dr. Marcus A. Hunter, the Co-Chair of the United States Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation coalition during his interview with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) on Feb 5. 2021.
It is time for America to attempt to address the truth.
Dr. King is not the only one that had a dream. My dream is one of reimagining healing and transformation in America through truthful and meaningful policies and practices. It is my dream that the Biden-Harris administration will adopt this resolution(H.Con. Res. 100) as their very own legislative baby.
Rather sooner than later.