Richard Collins III’s graduation gown on a chair at Bowie State University’s ceremony in College Park, Maryland, on May 23, 2017. (WTOP via AP / Neil Augenstein)
Confused, disappointed, and hopeful. These emotions sum up my reactions Monday morning after hearing news that another African American male had been killed in the United States.
While waiting for his Uber ride along with two of his friends, Second Lt. Richard Collins III was approached by a University of Maryland student, Sean Urbanski, at an on-campus bus stop. According to witnesses, Urbanski said to Collins, “Step left, step left if you know what’s best for you.” After Collins replied, “No” and stood his ground, Urbanski stabbed Collins in the chest, killing him, and then fled the scene. Authorities have begun investigating this heinous act of terror as a hate crime. Urbanski was known to be part of “Alt-Reich: Nation” a racially charged Facebook group.
As I continued to read more on the case I couldn’t help but reflect on my own feelings…
I am confused.
According to an FBI Statistic, 54.5 percent of victims of hate crimes are African American. Hate crimes are defined as crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, gender or gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. Hate crimes against blacks remain far more numerous than hate crimes against the far larger population of whites. The murder of Richard Collins is a stark reminder of these unfortunate statistics.
What confuses me most is why and how such hate continues to manifest in our society? Over the past few years, it felt like we were advancing in our strides towards inclusion. Today, it feels like we’re regressing more and more. We have much more work to do.
I am disappointed.
Richard Collins was supposed to graduate this week. I cannot imagine the emotions his parents, family, and friends must be feeling during this time. I am disappointed because we have, in some ways, normalized hate and become desensitized to the perspectives of people like Urbanski. Why do these ‘hate groups’ still exist? What has been done to eradicate them? History has shown us that these groups foster worldviews and beliefs that are dangerous and deadly. Why is this something that we’re still dealing with? As much as things appear to be better, today, with respect to civil rights and social justice, than 50 years ago, there are still so many issues that require our immediate attention. This is one of them.
I am hopeful.
This tragedy is extremely disheartening. However, I am hopeful that people will begin to increase their level of awareness and understanding of the day and times we are in. I believe that people are becoming more conscious of the subtle and overt forms of hate and inequity that continue to persist in our society. I am hopeful that justice will prevail, and that those responsible for the untimely deaths of others are held accountable. I am hopeful that Richard Collins’ death will not be in vain, and rather a reminder to all that they have a role in creating a more equitable, inclusive world.
