Even in a democracy, some leaders are silenced. It is dangerous to have a microphone. The speaker, a female government official, preached for nonviolent resistance to subvert pervasive inequality. She quoted theorist bell hooks, who described the dominant power structure to be countered as “the transnational, white supremacist, capitalist patriarchy.” This politician was interrupted by a deadly blow. A bullet pierced her throat. It burned and ripped a hole through her body. She was shot during a public address, but the perpetrator was completely covered. He escaped without repercussions.
Not everyone was granted free speech. Not even all lawmakers. Christina, a representative from the South, collapsed behind the podium and died instantly. The assembly disintegrated, immediately. Everyone ran in droves, haphazardly. It was pandemonium.
On the news, teary-eyed constituents openly lamented their loss on camera. Christina was mourned for months. Hashtags, like #Justice4Christina, circulated online. Her loss was like watching the Grand Canyon demolished and transformed into powder - blown away by the wind. She was cremated. Her spirit was all that was truly left.
Holding onto her words, Christina’s family and friends would not be intimidated by white supremacists in their neighborhood. Rising from the ash, her legacy lived on. She wanted American troops to return home from war on foreign soil. She was determined to increase the minimum wage to a living wage. She drafted legislation to eliminate student loan debt. Not everyone could tolerate the policies she promoted. However, the ones who supported Christina would not have their voices stifled. They were bold and outspoken.
Powerful people often have powerful enemies. Christina’s death galvanized a movement that even her critics couldn’t stop. She was alive in memory. Her supporters fought for her position to be advanced. They used the ballot, not the bullet, to strive for their cause. They rallied together. They spoke from their hearts.
There is hope at the end of the day. If you do not live to see tomorrow, your purpose can still extend for generations. Your work can continue. For Christina, an inspiration, her light would not be snuffed out. Her light was brighter than the dim negativity that opposed her. Her final words were “together, we stand united.” She truly fought for a sacred union. She’ll be remembered for taking a stand. Her rise before her fall. May her shooter and those like him not live above the law.
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