The not guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman sparked anger and disappointment among Americans for many reasons. Zimmerman shot and killed 17-year-old Florida resident Trayvon Martin and was acquitted by a Florida jury. Some lament the persistence of racism in American society and the racial profiling that played a role in the tragic chain of events leading to Martin’s death. Others point to the porous gun statutes — like Florida’s “stand your ground” law — which encourage rather than discourage violence as the proper means of resolving disputes. Still, others focus on problems with the criminal justice system and Florida’s failure to secure a conviction.
Whatever the case, people seem to coalesce around larger issues of equality and justice, the sanctity of human life and the need to address not only cultural misunderstandings but also the disparities in wealth that often drive them. These problems, of course, are the very essence of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching. In privileging principles such as the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family and Community Participation, Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable and Human Solidarity, Catholic social teaching resonates in the Trayvon Martin case regardless of faith.
As we all reflect on the meaning of the Trayvon Martin case and perhaps what course of action to take in its aftermath, let us be mindful of these principles and the opportunity they present for community building rather than further division. Each of the contributing factors that led to this tragedy needs knowledgeable and dedicated activists who recognize the inherent danger in allowing the malignant cancers of racism, gun violence and social and political inequality — which already plague our society — to continue to spread unchecked. In embracing our own individual responsibility, we have it within our collective power to make meaningful change in the pursuit of peace and solidarity.
One of the takeaways from the Trayvon Martin case, especially at a university committed to Jesuit values, is to take up the challenges of ensuring peace by fighting unequivocally for social justice in all of its forms. This goes beyond symbolic acts of protest and gestures. What we must embrace is real community engagement. We must work to undermine those forces that continue to divide us, to understand and promote human solidarity.
Pope Paul VI issued what for me remains one of the most powerful calls to work toward a better society. In 1972, he challenged nations to remember that “[p]eace resounds as an invitation to practice Justice.” Recognizing the passive nature in which this could be read, he revised these sentiments into what he described as a “more incisive and dynamic” dicta: “If you want Peace, work for Justice.”
In short, we must become active participants in the quest for social justice. We must take on the responsibility for dialoguing about and combating persistent structural inequalities that demand action. It is not enough to hold out hope for a better tomorrow.
As thoughtful women and men to whom Paul VI’s thoughts appeal, we know now is the time to work for justice.
Dr. Yohuru Williams is chair and professor of history and director of Black Studies at Fairfield University. An expert on the civil rights and Black Power Movements, he is the author, editor and co-editor of seven books including “In Search of the Black Panther Party,” which was published by Duke University Press in 2006. Follow Dr. Williams’ Twitter @YohuruWilliams.
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