One year ago, the world watched thousands of violent extremists storm the United States Capitol at the urging of former President Donald Trump. The former president falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen and emboldened his violent supporters at a rally held in Washington D.C earlier in the day. Congress was set to certify the 2020 election results at a joint session. Instead, they hid in offices, hiding from extremists carrying confederate flags, nooses, and other symbols of white supremacy. Chants of “Kill Mike Pence” and “Kidnap Pelosi” rang in the air by Trump supporters who believed “The Big Lie.” Insurrectionists violently clashed with an outnumbered Capitol police department while Trump did nothing for hours from the comforts of the White House. Five died and more were injured during the insurrection.
Since then, over six hundred people have been charged with various crimes because of their participation in the violent Capitol riot on January 6th. One year later, the aftershocks of this violent act of extremism are still felt throughout this country.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
This is not the first-time white mobs have attacked democracy. History shows that violent white mob action occurs whenever the country attempts to move towards a less racist society. From the birth of the Ku Klux Klan after Reconstruction to Red Summer and the numerous massacres and lynchings in communities like Tulsa and Rosewood, violence often follows moments when white supremacy is threatened. Even now, as the world grappled with a racial reckoning in 2020, white mobs descended in Charlottesville, Virginia when activists attempted to remove racist Confederate statues on display.
UndocuBlack Network’s executive director, Patrice Lawrence, said in a statement, “Jan. 6 was a stark reminder of the lengths white supremacists will go to maintain power and control. It was also a warning for elected leaders that regardless of a political party, they must advance truth and justice, rather than peddling lies and misinformation. The occupation of the U.S. Capitol was a low point in American democracy. All elected leaders must come together to ensure accountability for all persons who entered the Capitol building, bringing mayhem and fear with them. It is not lost on Black undocumented folks, that the people who stormed the Capitol, and their apologists, are the same people challenging humane immigration policies. But hate should never be coddled and allowed to fester.”
A GLARING DISPARITY AND LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN BLACK AND WHITE
Black people watched hundreds of mostly white extremists armed with guns tear gas, and military-grade equipment surge the Capitol intent on destruction. This violent mob was met with a less forceful reaction from the police. In contrast, Black Lives Matter protesters in previous months found themselves attacked with tear gas, rubber bullets, and hundreds of military guards as they peacefully protested racial injustice and inequity. The world saw what black people have known for generations. Law and order mean two different things depending on the color of your skin.
“The Jan. 6 insurrection was a vivid reminder of the danger of peddling lies and stoking the flames of hatred,” said Tameka Greer, executive director of Memphis Artists for Change. “For Black people involved in liberation work, it was particularly painful to watch white supremacists being handled with velvet gloves after storming one of the nation’s most sacred institutions.”
“The scene at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 was like a shot from a horror movie,” said Pastor Rhonda Thomas, executive director of Faith in Florida. “Legislators horridly ran for cover while their workplace was held hostage by extremists. Juxtaposed to the treatment of Black people and their allies who are regularly beaten, criminalized, and surveilled for protesting fatal police shootings, one can fully see the depth of sickness racism has caused.
One year later, violent insurrectionists have faced little to no jail time for their role in the riot. Many were allowed to travel home after committing their crimes where they still stay awaiting their trial date. This mob believed they were patriots protecting democracy. To date, only 77 people have been convicted of crimes relating to the January 6th insurrection, and more than half of those received jail time. In contrast, civil rights activists and groups were heavily monitored by the government and often called extremists. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr, the Black Panthers, and more were often harassed and surveilled in the same way Black Lives Matter activists are today.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Attorney General, Merrick Garland addressed the lack of accountability for Capitol rioters saying, “The Justice Department remains committed to holding all January 6th perpetrators, at any level, accountable under law — whether they were present that day or were otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy.”
THE RETURN OF WHITE SUPREMACY POLITICS
The insurrection revealed the hate hidden beneath the surface and emboldened racist politicians to proudly put their views on display. Elected officials have boldly expressed racist ideas and views to the public. Many were hopeful that as the world watched this violent display of mob action that Americans would rally together against such a horrific attack. The opposite has occurred. Instead, the “whitewashing” of the Jan. 6th insurrection has permeated politics and trickled down into attacks on Critical Race Theory, COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates, and an all-out war on Voting rights. Threats of violence against congressional members and their families, false information spread by extreme-right politicians have all contributed to the attack on democracy. These right-wing attacks were visible at every level of government. As a result, there is increased divisive rhetoric filled with false claims and hate speech.
“Jan. 6 was a physical manifestation of the violence that many Black and Brown people feared when then-President Trump embraced and brought to public view white supremacists and extremists,” said Ashley Shelton, executive director of the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice.
THE ATTEMPT TO RE-WRITE HISTORY
Critical Race Theory (CRT) came under attack in 2021 with politicians arguing the value of telling the truth about American history in schools. Critical Race Theory says that racism is systemic. This theory also suggests racism is intertwined into every area of American life. Republicans say CRT is rooted in anti-American views and promotes white guilt. Several states passed legislation banning the teaching of CRT. Other states are currently debating the importance of teaching a more accurate account of American History to include African American, LatinX, Asian, LGBTQ historical contributions and events. With projects such as the 1619 project by journalist, Nikole Hannah-Jones, the GOP went on the offensive by attempting to prohibit teachings they deemed “un-American”.
SUPPRESSING THE VOTE
According to the ACLU, In 2021 alone, over 400 measures to suppress the vote were introduced by states across the country. From restricting access to voting by mail and early voting to redrawing new electoral maps, the GOP’s desire to suppress the vote grew. These attempts affect black and brown voters across the country. Congress has yet to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act that seeks to protect the right to vote in this country by restoring protections by the previous Voting Rights act.
ONE YEAR LATER: THE STATE OF THE UNION IS WORSE
Even under new leadership, the United States could not be more divided. As COVID-19 continues to attack our communities, we are still debating science and the efficacy of vaccines and vaccine mandates. Educators are fighting to teach the history of slavery and white supremacy in classrooms and the fundamental right to vote is under attack. The United States and its people are more divided than ever, and a new administration has not changed that.
Placing bandages on wounds that have been open for decades is not working. It is up to the American people to demand accountability from their political leaders by voting and becoming more involved and vocal about what is happening in their communities. The sins of a nation birthed on white supremacy must have a true awakening and reconciliation with the truth if we are ever to have a unified nation. The Jan 6th insurrection revealed the America that exists now and its time we pay attention.
About Post Author
