As our nation grapples with the effects of the recent killings of blacks, with the racial polarization of whites and blacks, with the polarization of our country's political parties, this memorial is an important touchstone for all of us regardless of race, religion, political party or gender.
Bryan Stevenson, the motivating force behind the memorial, wrote. “The National Memorial for Peace and Justice was conceived with the hope of creating a sober, meaningful site where people can gather and reflect on America’s history of racial inequality. …The national memorial is a sacred space for truth-telling and reflection about racial terror in America and its legacy. …Our nation’s history of racial injustice casts a shadow across the American landscape. This shadow cannot be lifted until we shine the light of truth on the destructive violence that shaped our nation, traumatized people of color, and compromised our commitment to the rule of law and equal justice.”
