At this critical time in the United States, race relations and violence are clashing in such a way that one could hardly escape the bold understanding possessed by many that “Black Lives Matter.” Many of us speak this through our bodies in protest and with our words. Across the U.S. and around the world, those who affirm this powerful message gather in solidarity with we who suffer and resist both state-sanctioned and interpersonal violence against black bodies. #BlackLivesMatter, according to the black and queer women who created the hashtag, “is both a call to action and a response to the ways in which our lives have been de-valued.” As the movement continues, death-dealing occurrence after death-dealing occurrence arises to refute this life-giving message. Some of these tragedies go largely unacknowledged, namely those committed against black trans women’s bodies. In this year alone, four black trans women have been murdered, with no widespread and resounding outcry for justice… no platforms, and speeches by national organizations that claim to be for the advancement of black people… minimal affirmation that within those black lives that matter, trans persons are included.
“Someone’s praying, Lord… Someone’s crying, Lord.”
In this period of Lent, we have the unique and sacred opportunity to slow down our lives, and reflect on the directions we are taking. I believe this cannot only be limited to removing certain foods from one’s diet, or adopting an attitude of sorrow for one’s wrongs. This is great for those who find themselves closer to God in these moments. Yet, one scripture causes me to think more deeply about what this season can mean.
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed to free, and to break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6
This is a call for justice. This is a call to look beyond the self, and to seek the well-being of another. This is a call to turn, and change the way that we love our neighbor. Loosing the bonds of injustice cannot only mean committing oneself to seek justice, only within the comforting confines of respectability politics. Undoing the thongs of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free and then, breaking the yoke that held them so that it is forever broken cannot only mean fighting for black cis-gender straight (primarily) men. We must pray for an end to violence exacted on black bodies. We must cry about, and cry out against injustice and oppression on black bodies. But, we cannot stop there. We must act with and on behalf of the slain women who experience patriarchal, classist, transphobic, and racist violence if we truly believe that all black lives matter.
“Someone needs you, Lord, come by here.”
Lamia Beard.
Tyra Underwood.
Yazmin Payne.
Penny Proud.
Let us hear their needs as their blood cries out.
As followers of Christ, we are manifestations of the presence of the Divine on the earth. Often, when one is in need of God, they find God’s grace, love, and care through a person. We are not powerless against attacks on black trans lives. Even as we declare our need for God, we can recognize that God has placed God’s Spirit within us.
May God’s Spirit within us empower us to think more widely about who we think matters.
May God’s Spirit within us cause us to question and dismantle social norms that cause some to think it’s okay to exact violence upon others.
May God’s Spirit within us acknowledge that our own are in need of safety, unconditional love, and welcome, and that we have the capacity to meet the need.
May God’s Spirit within us give us love to speak their names as they have named themselves-Lamia, Tyra, Yazmin, Penny—and claim them as our own.
May God’s Spirit within us lead us to seek justice on their behalf because black trans lives matter.
“Oh, Lord, come by here.”
1. Home, BlackLivesMatter, http://blacklivesmatter.tumblr.com/.
2. It is worth noting that Patrisse Cullors, one founder of #Blacklivesmatter, is seeking to ensure the centering of black trans persons in this affirmation of and call for the valuing of black lives. See Monica J. Casper, “Black Lives Matter / Black Life Matters: A Conversation with Patrisse Cullors and Darnell L. Moore,” The Feminist Wire, Dec 1, 2014, http://thefeministwire.com/2014/12/black-lives-matter-black-life-matters-conversation-patrisse-cullors-darnell-l-moore/.
3. Ibid.
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