Statement from Beck

Statement From Beck

STATEMENT FROM BECK
Following the Tragic Death of 
MR. GEORGE FLOYD ON MAY 25, 2020

On July 23, 1914, Professor W.E.B. DuBois visited Knoxville and spoke at Mount Zion Baptist Church stating: “The Negro only wanted an opportunity to be a man and then he would manifest his ability to accomplish great things.” 

As the keeper of history, we are appalled, saddened and deeply troubled by the merciless, inhumane, and cruel murder of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. The lost opportunities of Mr. Floyd, Ms. Breonna Taylor, Mr. Ahmaud Arbery, and all of the known victims of an unjust system, are now recorded in the books of African American History. Unfortunately, they share space in the history books with their enslaved ancestors. Confirming the idea that much of history far too often repeats itself.

But as we look through the lens of history, let us recall in 1864 during the Civil War, Sergeant Morgan W. Carter, a member of the 28th Indiana U.S. Colored Troops pinned a letter with these undying words, “And now we have a choice to elevate our selfs [sic] and our race and what little I can do toward it I will do so most willingly. If I should die before I receive the benefit of it I will have the consolation of nowing [sic] that the generations to come will receive the blessing of it. And I think it the duty of all the men of our race to do what they can.”

Today, we are still wrestling with freedom in every area for black people. We believe that history is the great truth-teller, and the truth is what sets us free. Absent the establishment of places like Beck, today’s history may not exist tomorrow. And, we are in dire need of a lesson in truth. 

Even through these hard times, Beck will continue to be the keeper of the truth. 
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