My daughters and I joined the rally and march for Black Lives Matter in Friday Harbor on June 5. The turnout was impressive as was the concern for addressing racism and police reform in America. Having recently moved to San Juan Island from a large city, it struck me how important it is to speak out and be present no matter where you live. Last Friday’s turnout made us proud to be members of this community.

And it is clear that our voices are beginning to make a difference. Discussions on policing reform, strengthening community services, and removing memorials to the confederacy are happening across the country. Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA) has announced the introduction of legislation for the formation of a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Commission. All of these are positive steps.

On the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, Dr. Martin Luther King said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

It is important for us all to pull downwards on this arc until the final words of the Pledge of Allegiance ring true – “and Justice for all.”

Jeff Johnson

Friday Harbor