Social Unrest Grips the Nation

Abstract

The worst civil unrest in decades erupted in cities around the U.S. this past week, sparked by the tragic death of George Floyd, a Black man in police custody. Demonstrations stretching from coast to coast rocked the nation at a time when we’re still grappling with an unchecked pandemic and an economic crisis that has put millions out of work. This combination of issues has escalated tensions and frustrations, bringing into sharp relief resentment due to racism and inequality in our country. The issues are big, important ones—social justice, institutional racism, and nonviolent and violent protest. Events of the past week have made these issues hard to ignore.