In the once great city of Washington, D.C., there seems to be a phenomenon happening that nobody in the federal government wants to discuss openly: the rampant crime rates. Despite wailing sirens echoing through the streets like a poorly arranged symphony, some political leaders seem to treat this as a non-issue. Pretending this doesn’t matter much must be comforting until reality comes knocking with tragic stories like that of Bernard, fondly remembered by loved ones as BJ, who was violently taken from this world in 2023.
Now let’s talk about Bernard, who wasn’t just another person living a mundane life in the city. He was a dedicated father, someone who worked not one, but multiple jobs to support his children. Picture this: a man giving his all to his community and family, juggling work and responsibility with admirable grace, suddenly lost to a senseless crime. It didn’t occur on some grimy backstreet either; this happened in the nation’s capital. It begs the question—where is the safety one might expect in such a place? What do the leaders have to say? More importantly, what are they doing?
Yet, among all the hand-wringing and political grandstanding, people are demanding change, hoping words will finally turn into action. It’s taking much too long, and quite frankly, patience is wearing thin. Bernard was one of those rare individuals you’d want to keep around. The kind who builds communities, not just takes from them. But instead of being celebrated for his role, he becomes another name on the list of statistics mumbled through clenched teeth by officials who should look embarrassed but somehow don’t.
Bernard’s family, full of hope that meaningful change will save future generations from similar heartbreak, holds onto prayer. It is incredible how, despite such heartbreak, they’re still believing that positive transformation is possible. That sort of optimism deserves commendation. Maybe it’s this hope, unwavering like the North Star, that’s the key to waking up those comfortable in their office chairs over in D.C.
Our thoughts are with Bernard’s family, particularly the young children who learn about life without their dad. It shouldn’t take tragedies to shake action from the government tree. Perhaps if certain leaders spent a day in the real parts of their city, they might understand the urgency. Until then, we brace for more press conferences and promises, awaiting the day these words materialize into the substantial change everyone so desperately needs.
