Actions, as the saying goes, speak louder than words. In the context of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, this rings particularly true. It often seems that not every black life holds equal value within the movement’s framework. The focus tends to be disproportionately on individuals who have clashed with law enforcement or have been victimized by the police, which is a troubling and selective approach. This unspoken message is often subtly conveyed.
Consider, for instance, the murder of Justin Carr, a 26-year-old black man, during protests in Charlotte. His death was seemingly minimized, raising the question: Didn’t his life matter? Had his death been attributed to law enforcement, the narrative would likely have been drastically different.
It’s rare to see BLM vocally defend black officers facing scrutiny. For example, did BLM defend Officer Brentley Vinson of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) after he shot a man who allegedly refused to drop a firearm? Vinson stated he believed someone’s life was in danger, a claim seemingly corroborated by witnesses. Yet, much of the focus remained on a distorted video of the incident. Vinson, notably, is also black.
Similarly, did BLM rally behind Chief Kerr Putney, who supported Officer Vinson based on the investigation’s findings? Putney, too, is a black man. Or what about Chief David Brown of the Dallas Police Department, who faced immense pressure and scrutiny? He also is black.
And then there’s Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke. He’s often seen as an adversary by BLM, largely due to his outspoken views on race and violence, and his counter-narrative, “Black Lies Matter.” Clarke is also black. These men, who wear blue uniforms, are often overlooked or even criticized by the movement.
This isn’t to say that the color of their skin is invisible. The point, rather, echoes Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream: a society where individuals are judged not by their skin color, but by the content of their character. Currently, the leadership of BLM often falls short of this ideal, sometimes resorting to divisive rhetoric.
Let’s consider another perspective. Since January 1, 2015, over 200 peace officers have died in the line of duty. Among these tragedies are the deaths of numerous black officers, victims of violence. Have these lives been given equal attention? Here are a few examples:
In today’s climate, rational discourse is often drowned out by propaganda. False narratives, like “Hands up, don’t shoot,” become ingrained in the public consciousness. In Charlotte, the narrative became, “IT WAS A BOOK.” Truth often becomes secondary.
It’s paradoxical that BLM seems willing to condemn individuals who share the same skin color, particularly if they are members of law enforcement. It raises the question of whether the movement’s true aim is to dismantle the authority of law enforcement. Some might even argue that this authority is God ordained, referencing Romans 13:1-7.
A common argument is that white officers cannot understand the black experience. While true, the reverse is also true. Many officers, regardless of race, have experience working in challenging environments. The author, for example, recounts undercover work and church mission work in poor minority neighborhoods, facing dangerous situations where race was irrelevant, but character was paramount.
The desire for unity in this country is strong. However, division persists as long as conflict overshadows peace. America needs to pray for heroes, not create scapegoats out of those who are different. As Sandy Koufax shared, Vin Scully prayed for heroes, not for one team to win. We should pray for one another, fostering love and understanding.
One such hero is Officer Brentley Vinson. He is described by friends and mentors as a dedicated individual with the best interests of others at heart. As Vin Scully prayed for heroes during the World Series, we should pray for heroes who represent Black Lives in Blue Uniforms. And we should also pray for those who harbor hatred, seeking to replace it with understanding and empathy. We need to be selfless, like the hundreds of thousands of peace officers across the country.