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Keeping It REAL Caregiving would like to recognize the various social justice, research, aging, and media organizations which have shared bold statements condemning the hateful and deadly shooting attack carried out in Buffalo, New York May 14, 2022.
Yet again our nation is faced with a violent shooting rampage leaving 10 people dead and three others wounded. That number doesn't take into the account how many others will forever be traumatized by the horror of the attack. As you know the shooter specifically targeted an African American community.
Many of those gunned down as they went about their regular routines of simply shopping at their local grocery store, were older adults.
I think of elder African Americans who have worked hard, fought and many who have died for our country.
Many have lived and survived our nation even through years of racism, segregation, societal slights, and yet still managed to overcome - to rise above disparities in employment, housing and medical care. All that, to have a hate-filled White man claim their lives.
Who would have thought we would ever be talking about the reality of our senior population becoming targets of such a horrific display of white supremacy and sheer evil?
I am filled with rage, sorrow and disappointment. In my heart I believe people (for the most part) are better than this. (Or so I hope…)
Courtesy: Adobe Stock
As a lifelong journalist who has covered all manner of disturbing incidents and crime, sadly - I also am realistic in the belief there are many others out there like this latest shooter who celebrate moments of this level of hatred.
I also believe there are many others who understand the gravity of the continued assaults on people of color and injustices towards our elderly, who will stand up and keep fighting for what is right.
Here are a handful of various organizations which have responded to the Buffalo and other mass shootings in recent days.
Courtesy: Screenshot American Society on Aging
American Society on Aging President Peter Kaldes penned this opinion piece, asking tough questions about the intersections of such violence and the impact on elders.
Read the full article here: Stepping Out of Our Lane
Courtesy: Screenshot Justice in Aging
Courtesy: Screenshot The John A. Hartford Foundation
Courtesy: Screenshot National Associaton of Black Journalists
You often hear me use the term ‘connect the dots.’ I urge all of you to do so at this moment.
Take stock of those in your spheres of work, personal life, care-circles and more. Ask yourselves: do those closest to you exhibit actions and utter words which support equality, respect, safety and kindness for all?
If we are to properly care for each other now and as we age, then addressing the depths of hatred towards others which exists within our society (and seems to be thriving), must be a starting point.
The alternative is simply too horrifying to consider.
Until next time~
Julia
*Header Image: Mass Shooting in Buffalo New York Leaves 10 Dead
BUFFALO, NY - MAY 15: People gather at the scene of a mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market at Jefferson Avenue and Riley Street on Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Buffalo, NY. The fatal shooting of 10 people at a grocery store in a historically Black neighborhood of Buffalo by a young white gunman is being investigated as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism, according to federal officials. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)/Courtesy:Kent Nishimura / Contributor
