Racial reckoning long overdue in communities

A public conversation regarding race and our racial history of unequivocal racism is important yet what matters most is public action, including intervention required in assisting police to see their role in endemic and systemic racism. When a citizen of color is subjected to the actions of a person who drives repeatedly in front of their home in Saratoga Springs or anywhere and shouts racial slurs, it’s a hate crime.

When a victim reports the incident and is told by Saratoga Springs police there is nothing they can do, the city has a problem it must address and monitor through an empowered citizen review process over the long haul of what it takes to overcome racism and the underpinnings often referenced as implicit bias. When no action is taken in regard to the hate crime and the police officer responsible for such a reply to the victim, then it is time to recognize and acknowledge by disciplinary action within the police department as well as a pursuit of the perpetrator of the hate crime. Silence is complicity and emboldens more hate crime perpetrators. The message

“not in our town” is what must be heard in every town in its response to racism.

The unresolved Darryl Mount death warrants additional review as do what are probably many more cases that involve racial profiling, discrimination and worse in Saratoga and everywhere. It is time “to go there,” which means some painful accounting of those involved, reconciliation with those affected and the community at large before any real healing can occur. Racial reckoning is long overdue in every community, vigilance as well.

If she’s willing, perhaps fivegeneration lifelong Saratoga resident Carol Daggs, the hate crime victim in this case, would chair such a “vigilance committee” for the city of Saratoga that would also include Saratoga community activists for racial justice.

Bill Washburn Corinth Professor Emeritus, The College of Saint Rose