I have taken some time to gather my thoughts before writing about the Ahmaud Arbery shooting. The video is deeply disturbing and I did not want to write something reactionary.

It is imperative we exhibit solidarity as a national community in such times. Americans are a diverse people, and it’s important to remember that any injustice affecting one particular subgroup of people, regardless of the delineation, affects all of us.

The Arbery case is not only tragic, but unjust. We live in a system that is supposed to be governed by the rule of law, and that has not been the case thus far with this situation. It is vital we stand up to this injustice as a unified people, as Americans, to show we will not tolerate arbitrary enforcement of our laws—especially in such extreme circumstances.

I have been getting back into the habit of running again as the lockdown continues in the Bay Area—it’s one of the few ways to get out of the house. As I’ve been jogging in my neighborhood, I’ve wondered: Am I only safe because of the color of my skin? Would my daily runs be a source of stress if I looked different? If I were black, would my life be in danger, and would I constantly fret about that knowledge? It upsets me that such may be the case for other Americans, and I offer my deepest condolences to Ahmaud Arbery’s family and friends.

It is our responsibility as citizens to draw the line, to determine what sort of country we accept. I refuse to live in an unjust society. I hope you do too. We are one people. Divided we fall, United we stand. One nation, with liberty and justice for all.