by drea chicas
A fallen youth of color in America (no matter how they die) connects to the violent sins committed against marginalized groups in this country. The history of First Nation tribes and Indigenous people, including the Tulalip Tribes, is a history too easily forgotten and inconveniently ignored. Cities and valleys, like Snoqualmie, Puyallup, and Yakima in Washington State, reflect the longstanding history of Native tribes. Long before Christopher Columbus’ conquest and the arrival of English immigrants, Indigenous people were the original rulers of this land. When we questioned the violent actions of Jaylen Fryberg, did we also stop to consider the genocide committed against Native American people? It took a phone call form a concerned friend in Los Angeles, a poem, and the cry of an Indigenous woman to awaken my spirit.
Violence has become too commonplace—the history of Indigenous people far removed. The Tulalip Tribes released a statement this week (http://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/) stating that they did not condone Fryberg’s actions. It was the teen’s “individual action” not a reflection of his community or the tribes. But as someone who works and loves the youth, the shooting hits home. When will the violence stop? Why do we keep failing our youth?
Seattle we must do better. The deaths at Marysville Pilchuck High School must spring us to action. Violence continues to claim young lives while many of us sit on the sidelines, while youth kill themselves, kill their peers, and are slain by adults. Just as Michael Brown’s murder stirred the nation, so too must the tragedy of Jaylen Fryberg’s death. A life is not more valuable than another life. But the death of youth anywhere is a clamorous reminder.
So we must respond. Pour our love into youth, and affirm their voices. Then we must listen to their cry, and work to improve an education system that falls short. Our laws, our voting, our time and our money must be invested on the lives of youth, and in particular youth of color.
We must continue to invest in local program here in South Seattle that connect youth of color to their own histories and equip them to undo institutional racism like the Tyree Scott Freedom School. We must further their critical thinking skills, and arm them with developmentally appropriate social justice language as early as possible like the Urban Impact Freedom Schools. Finally, we must stand with the Tulalip community, in solidarity; grieving with the mothers who lost their babies, and inwardly reflecting on what we can do to invest in our children.
drea chicas is a community organizer who lives, works and plays in South Seattle
Violence is not a good answer to the human challenge. But it is often a stepping stone to maturity, unfortunately, for some. As frustration and a feeling of powerlessness increases, so often does violence. We see it not only here, but worldwide (and with arguably worse effect elsewhere in the world). We can only build so many walls and fences that eventually there is nowhere we can turn. We need a different sort of solution.