A woman of sorrow
But what happens when the death of your loved one is all over the news? What if it was caught on video? What if your loved one died due to an injustice by the state; a corruption or conspiracy? What if, when the injustice was exposed; worldwide protest and news coverage exerted; the system failed you again by not convicting the perpetrators? Death is a terrible thing. Injustice makes it excruciating. Jesus’ death was one of injustice: an innocent man, he had only ruffled the feathers of the right people. The main issue was that the Pharisees, Saducees and Scribes were powerful enough to engage in a conspiracy with the state. Pilate told the Jews: “I find no fault in him”, and yet their response was “crucify him!” After the torture and state execution of Jesus, Mary his mother, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene and James were left at the foot of the cross. They witnessed the injustice and were left to make sense of the destruction by themselves.
In the past few months, the world has witnessed a spate of injustices: Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice: all killed by the system that was supposed to protect them; their families let down further by the non-indictment of all perpetrators; and their communities shattered and disillusioned, having no choice but to take to the streets in despair. But before these three, we had Trayvon Martin and Kendrick Johnson, and dozens between and before. We have the martyrs of the past: Huey P Newton, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King; Emmett Till. But what did they actually die for, if the situation is still the same, if not worse? Our televisions are becoming increasingly acquainted with black wives, sisters, daughters and mothers in grief. This is not a new sight: how many more Coretta Scotts and Mamie Tills is our society going to make? When will it stop?
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!” John 19:26
Have you ever lost someone close to you? Be it a friend, spouse, partner, sibling or child, the pain can be unbearable. My mother lost her son when he was a baby, a year before I was born, and every year in May she is the same: despondent and pensive. I’ve only heard my dad talk about it once: “I think he knew he was going to die”, he said, “that night, he was constantly smiling. He didn’t stop.” We hold onto the good memories of those loved ones; we spend time alone to grieve and to mourn. Some periods of mourning last longer than others—that’s okay, we’re all different.
By Abi Jackson
(Originally written in Esther Magazine)
Mamie Till: Emmett Till's mother