That day was unlike any other Monday. It was the day after an historic march followed by some raucous and riotous activity the night before. The activity, involving looters and arsonists, came on the heels of a well-organized and quietly effective Black Lives Matter demonstration through the streets of Long Beach. It was an inspiring event, similar to the chest swelling protests I took part in at various times while living in Denver during the 1980’s. Back then, we marched for the ERA, gay rights, and affirmative action in education and hiring. In May 2020, young people of all races and all walks of life united in the call for the fair treatment of Black men and women by law enforcement in the United States of America. It became increasingly clear that we would finally see change. We would see bold change and experience that change very soon. The overt demonstrations of togetherness, pride, and commitment had convinced me.
At home, we tuned into local network television in an effort to gain insight into the magnitude of what was transpiring. We were in the middle of a surging pandemic and dealing with a White House leader who denied the existence of a deadly killer virus and its impact around the globe. What we discovered was the art of sensational reporting on full display. As helicopters flew overhead, news reporters with their microphones poked at people’s faces, searched for the next breaking story or latest controversial word or act of defiance. The media was everywhere and they were ready. But what were they ready for? Did media really have the scoop on what the night was all about? Never once did I hear anyone take a chance and report on a single human impact story, one that illuminated their audience about the reasons why so many people, young and old, from all walks of life, continued marching on the streets of downtown Long Beach that night.
We continued to watch the drama unfold on television. There was flip-flop reporting from West Hollywood, to Santa Monica, to Los Angeles, and to Long Beach. We witnessed a trend of looting and civil disruptions in each city. The activity appeared to be disorganized random acts of vandalism, primarily executed by young adults and kids. Hardcore evidence of other groups being engaged was emerging at the same time. Their actions appeared to provoke or drive that which is well outside of core Black Lives Matter protest protocol. Many media teams missed this critical fact as the sound of helicopters and police sirens continued to drown out reality. One could not help but question what would happen next. How might these actions impact American voting behavior six-months later, in November?
Monday morning arrived. I needed to pick up the manuscript of my first book from the local FedEx-Kinko’s store. On my drive to the shop, the aftereffects of the unruly activity were on full display. The destruction was overwhelming. Pharmacies, grocery stores, small restaurants, banks, and local shops had all been vandalized. Driving a direct route to my destination was a challenge. Negotiating blocked street after blocked street required incredible patience. From the car, I looked on as strangers assisted store owners install protective boards over windows which had been smashed. Small groups of masked individuals gathered with brooms and pans to pick up broken glass scattered about the streets. The scene was frightening and beautiful at the same time.
Approaching the FedEx-Kinko’s location, I could see lights illuminated inside the store. That was a positive sign. Nearing the main entry, it became clear that the store had been damaged. Two large plate glass windows were missing, the entry door was wide open as members of the management team stood in the middle of the store looking bewildered. They were definitely not ready for business. As I panned around the street to other storefronts and eateries, the image was the same. Broken glass everywhere. Long and sad faces. Police and security guards on patrol. Eventually, emotion welled up inside of me.
Months later, I still pause to process the events of that day in May 2020. As soon as the memory of the backstories begin to fade, something triggers their significance over and over again. Names, faces, and harrowing pleas connected to an incredibly effective chant reminding everyone that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
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