Alka's Angle

As our city and state enter into phase IV, we at Broadway have also begun to finalize our plans for ‘slowly’ opening our building. To say that this has been a challenging year, is an understatement. Beloved, while we all long for that day when we will be able to gather again in person, we know that things will be different, and we know that the day, when ALL of us can be together, is not in our new future. 

Today is June 19th, better known to our African American siblings as JUNETEENTH, the day that marks the end of slavery and the independence of countless enslaved people -- a day finally arrived two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation! This is the 155th year Anniversary of ‘Black Independence Day’ in America. I ask though -- did it end slavery?

The last 7 days have been a whirlwind of emotions. Our whole world has changed with the killing of #GeorgeFloyd. Let me be clear though! I am not saying this was the first time it happened, but that video of the brutal assault has become an undeniable evidence for the world. And, the world is responding! Yes, the world! There are reports of protests in London, Paris, the Netherlands and some 50 cities world-wide -- all protesting against the pandemic of racism. 

"Please, I can't breathe!" Those were the words that George Floyd screamed as the officer kept his knee and pressure on the throat! Friends, I hope this incident has enraged you as much as it has angered me. There is no reason a human should be treated this way. There is no reason for one person to take another persons's life. There is no reason for this. 

We have many suggestions! I know many of us pay close attention to the daily briefings from the White House, Governor Pritzker and/or Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and may have heard the Federal announcement asking governors to order all places of worship to open. Our governor has maintained the re-opening in phases -- according to which we will be in phase 3 (which would allow gathering of 10 persons or less) by the end of this week. Our Mayor is clear that Chicago is not ready for phase 3 yet!