COMMENTARY: BSA leadership issues a statement on current events

Contributed by the leaders of the Black Student Association

In order to protect Black lives, several misconceptions must be recognized.

Black people have been casually slaughtered for at least centuries. Many of you have just now decided that we’re worth your time.

George Floyd is one of an infinite amount. He is not the first nor the last. This is not an isolated incident. This is genocide.

Black men are not solely targeted. The only trait required is Blackness. Gender will not save anyone. Contrary to the beliefs of our university, personal wealth will not protect us either.

Black people around the world have been declared inferior and are disposed of as a result. This was never simply a United States issue.

Not only are Black people ostracized when it comes to the police force, but also in healthcare, education, incarceration and many other institutions that we’re expected to rely on.

Ever wonder why organizations like the Black Student Association exist? We feel the need to create our own spaces since we’re apparently not worthy of the ones we were forced to build for you.

Now that you’ve all moved on to the latest trend and your thoughts and prayers have been sent our way, what’s next?

Globally, will we ever actually acknowledge White supremacy or are the privileges too good to give up?

As a university with a major platform, will UHCL proceed to ignore our existence as long as we keep meeting your diversity quota?

As an individual, will you continue to turn the cheek as long as our deaths aren’t inconveniencing you?

It is not the responsibility of Black people to teach the world how to treat us, but being a decent human is a start. An ample amount of resources are being shared every day. You can continue to act like you don’t know what’s going on, but how much bloodshed will you allow before it resonates within?