I have been struggling for the last several weeks about how to address my thoughts and concerns about the unrest and social injustice that is impacting the United States and the world as a whole.

As a middle-aged, Caucasian man, I cannot fathom the struggles of the African American community. I cannot understand the pain and hurt that has been experienced for generations. All I can do is figure out my role in moving forward. My hope is that I learn from Patrick Hutchinson's selfless act.

_{Image Source - Screenshot from Hutchinson's Instagram Account}

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Patrick Hutchinson is being hailed as a hero. He attended protests in London on Saturday (June 14, 2020) because he supports breaking down racial barriers.

During the protest, Hutchinson and some of his friends noticed a white man had been knocked down during a violent clash. Hutchinson picked up the unidentified man (whose intentions at the protest are not clear) and placed him over his shoulder. His friends built a human barrier around Hutchinson and the man. Hutchinson reported that he could feel people trying to hit the white man as he walked through the crowd. Hutchinson and those protecting the man were able to deliver the man near London's Waterloo Station safely.

Later, when interviewed about the events, Hutchinson said

"My real focus was on avoiding a catastrophe, all of a sudden the narrative changes into 'Black Lives Matters, Youngsters Kill Protesters.' That was the message we were trying to avoid."

and

"I want to see equality for everybody. I am a father, a grandfather and I would love to see my young children, my young grandchildren, my nieces, my nephews have a better world than I have lived in. The world I live in has been better than my grandparents and my parents and hopefully we can continue until we have total equality for everyone."

Final Thoughts

In a world filled with injustice, Patrick Hutchinson and his friends choose to show kindness and mercy. These men brave men and the heroic actions are an example to everyone - protestors, law enforcement, and bystanders alike.

Each and everyone one of us has countless opportunities to intervene like Hutchinson and his friends did. Our intervention may very well save someone's life in that moment and change the trajectory of injustice moving forward.

I don't have all of the answers. Honestly, I don't even know all of the questions. I hope that my heart continues to open so that I am ready to listen and show kindness to others regardless of their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or identity.

We still have a long journey ahead of us, individually and collectively. Thank you, Patrick and friends!