Resistance to the changes called for in these weeks is already fierce, on the street, on social media, in the highest levels of national leadership. If this is simply a panic brought on by a killing that was finally unspeakable enough for white people who had remained on the sidelines before, will it stand up to a well-organized, determined and powerful resistance?

I’m suggesting that the knee-jerk response of naming a person who commits a racist murder as singularly evil will do nothing to undermine -- and arguably feeds -- racism. That defeats the purpose of the work of anti-racism, which is to insistently, persistently starve racism out. To that end we need to be focused, disciplined and strategic, and inviting violence is just strategically unsou

Serious work for change has always required disciplined commitment. This moment is no different, and it begins with disciplined personal behavior. Undisciplined action will not advance equity and non-violence.

The work of the Institute is focused on liberatory social change rather than liberation. The difference is significant.