MEMPHIS, Tenn. — MICAH, the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope, asked Memphians and those in the South on Tuesday to denounce racism, as the nation calls for change after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Dozens of clergy members called for conversations with county and city leaders. But they also want to see a change that, for many, starts at home.
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes,” said Dr. Rosalyn Nichols, founding clergy of MICAH and pastor of Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church.
Standing at the site where slaves were once sold in Memphis, dozens of religious leaders from all walks of life stood in solidarity.
“Most white folks who look like me, are good people, well-meaning people,” said Rabbi Micah Greenstein. “Most white folks who look like me look at racism as a few bad apples, an individual sin but racism is more than a sinful act. It is a societal sickness.”
The group called for a meeting with Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich.T hey want them to listen to concerns, needs and demands for change.
“All lives do matter, but all lives will not matter until black lives matter,” said Dr. Stacy Spencer, MICAH president and senior pastor of New Direction Christian Church.
Faith leaders along with those in MICAH say they stand for an end to police to brutality. They discussed the national outrage and hurt across the country following the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmed Aubrey, and Breonna Taylor.
“We will not tell black people how to mourn, protest or grieve,” Nichols said.
MICAH’s Vice President Janiece Lee also made an impassioned plea, saying you should educate yourself, read, go to museums, and watch documentaries that make you uncomfortable.
“Sit in that discomfort, grow in that space and then act,” she said.
And listen.
“And as you listen do not get defensive, do not cry out, ‘Not all whites.’ Hush. Be quiet. Listen. It is beyond time that these voices fighting for justice and equity are heard.”
MICAH members want to have the meeting the city leaders in the next 48 to 72 hours.
