Respect for all Tri-City voices needed in fight against racial injustice | Editorial

As we continue to reel from the nightmarish death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, emotions are raw and righteous anger is bubbling.

While we deal with this vortex of pain and grief, it is apparent we must try harder to see the world through the eyes of others, and acknowledge and accept that people’s life experiences shape their point of view.

If we, as a society, are ever to right the wrongs of racial injustice and “come together” — as the clichéd sentiment counsels — then we must improve communication with one another.

Imagery and symbolism are important, as are the reaction to these messaging tools.

Jordan Chaney, who works with Tri-City youth and has been a strong voice for the Black community, told us that imagery and messaging right now are extremely critical.

He said he was concerned when he saw photos of Kennewick police standing with armed members of the newly formed Defend the Tri organization, a group of civilians who scatter themselves around Tri-City shopping areas to protect against looting.

Defend the Tri members are trying to help the community. But Jordan said men dressed in camouflage and carrying guns can be frightening to the Black community, and can convey a message that Tri-Citians care more about goods in stores than lives and racial justice.

It is this kind of disconnect our community must overcome.

A press conference on Friday with Kennewick police, leaders from Tri-Cities Justice for George Floyd and Defend the Tri was a positive step in this direction. The groups have vowed to work together for peace, which is encouraging.

Also last week, the Tri-City Herald found itself at the center of controversy. We had no intention of implying that peaceful protesters were the same people involved in vandalism that took place after dark in a Kennewick shopping area.

But the unfortunate pairing of a headline and photo on the front page of Tuesday’s print edition made it look that way to many readers. We regret we didn’t catch the potential for misunderstanding right away.

In this age of click and scroll, people don’t always read the story — even in print. They simply react to the first thing they see.

Many upset readers let us know — some calmly, some not so calmly — of their disapproval. We responded with a note to readers online and on the front page of Friday’s print edition.

The Tri-City Herald wants to be a platform to facilitate better communication in the community, and elevate voices that haven’t been heard.

We want to be an integral part of the conversation that the community needs to have — especially in our Opinion section.

Chaney is right — proper messaging is huge right now. It’s important.

When it comes to race relations, we are walking through a communications minefield. Thoughtful dialogue is the best way for Tri-Citians to unite, and continue the fight against racial injustice.

This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 2:22 PM.