There are those that would argue that the American Civil War was fought between southern and northern states because of issues related to tariffs, trade and possible states rights. But however, we choose to revise history no one disputes that the primary cause for the internal scuffle was directly related to the issue of slavery. As a child I was often reminded by my parents the importance of knowing one’s history. They often lamented that history tends to repeat itself when we are oblivious to it. Consider the Civil War and its beginnings and the significance of knowing that history.

While some may dispute the actual beginning of the Civil War many historians have concluded that it was the bombardment of Fort Sumter by the Confederate soldiers on April 12, 1861. What is most interesting about this day of death is that, for the most part, few American’s new there was a war going on at all. That is until, according to history, seven days later April 19, 1861….” a riot broke out in the streets of Baltimore.” It’s important to know history, because it offers some insight into the great mistakes of mankind upon humanity.

Fast forward 145 years later and the arrest of a black man by local police officers. It is understood that the black man looked officers in the eyes and a pursuit ensued. The day was April 12, 2015, although there had been several documented cases of police brutality against, particularly men of color, no one seemed to truly recognize the problem occurring in our nation. Once again, just like history had taught, until another seven days later April 19, 2015. On that day the man arrested on April 12th died because of injuries directly related to his arrest. And just as was the case in 1861, another uprising broke out in the streets of Baltimore.

For several days Baltimore’s most vulnerable communities were flirting with demolition. Interestingly, many of the more affluent areas of the city were well preserved and protected. Fire and despair became my cities covering for 3 days of intense frustration and destruction. The outrage was expressed because those who had been, for years, at the opposite end of oppression and injustice were fed up. We wanted justice and justice was seemingly no where to found.

Then on May 1, 2015 there emerged a voice, a presence of strength. A voice that descended on the steps of Baltimore’s War Memorial declaring that justice was a possibility. A voice wrapped in a frame of optimistically calculated hope. On that Friday afternoon, I believe a great crowd of witnesses gathered at the banisters of heaven and peered over to hear a voice of hope. I imagined that as this child of Booker T. Washington stood flatfooted and argued her case, Dr. King stood next to Eric Gardner with baited breath. I also imagine that the clouds became front row seats for Medgar Evers, Jimmie Lee Jackson and Laquan McDonald. I could see Juliette Hampton Morgan holding tightly to the hand of Tamir Rice. They all listened intently as the hope imbedded in silent tears watered the anxieties felt in the previous days when hope unborn had seemingly died. On that day the child of an officer answered the call to say something after having seen something.

Time Staff

Theologian Marvin McMickle in his book Be My Witness reminds those of us who have the courage to stand prophetically in the most unlikely of times must be willing to sacrifice. He writes, that if you see something and are courageous enough to say something, then you ought to be prepared to suffer something. In this race for Baltimore’s State’s Attorney, the “witness” is being made to suffer the attacks of those that chose to turn a deaf ear to the suffering of the masses. But just as she raised her voice for us on that day it is imperative that we now lift every voice and sing her value to our futures. She stood for us and so now its important for lovers of justice to stand with her. Sometimes history repeating itself can be a good thing. I ask you to let history repeat itself by re-electing Marilyn Mosby to office on June 26th.