Is forgiveness a Black weakness?

Is forgiveness a Black weakness?. This is the question I posed to many within my circle. The Botham James case in Dallas sparked this discussion. Botham James was a Black man who was sitting in the comfort of his own home, eating ice cream , when a off duty White Female officer entered his home thinking it was her home, she then Shot and killed him. The officer(I will not utter her name because of my personal feelings) claimed self defense Because she argued that she thought she was in her home and she was scared for her life. A trial took place and on October 2, the officer was found guilty of Murder by a jury of her peers. During the sentencing phase the 18 year old brother of Botham James told the female officer "he loved her" and he "forgives her" and then after asking for permission he hugged the Officer. Many in the Black Community was taken aback by the gesture. Some, were moved. The judge even hugged the officer and have her a Bible. I am not here to argue the case or the behavior of the Judge during the case. My disconnect is why would the family forgive this woman?. Admittedly I am not as Religious as many. But could I forgive?. I doubt it. But lets look at the whole picture and why?. I think this is the bigger issue within our communities. I am a descendant of north American slaves; myself as many others are aware of our History between Blacks and Whites especially law enforcement in America. It seems like after every violent act against a Black man or Woman; the clergy or a relative of the victim introduce a new narrative of forgiveness and Calm. Is this action a sign of weakness?. Do we not have a right to be Angry?. Another racial group the jews also a race who argues they have faced a holocaust as our Ancestors experienced. Never forgets, in fact that is their rallying cry. Are Jews asked to forgive?. History shows us that When a 89 year old man who turned out to be a concentration camp guard is identified Although he was a good neighbor and spent decades being a good man within the community?. The answer is no, It does not matter what that mans family feel or community feels, this person will pay. So why are we expected to carry the burden of always turning the cheek?. why we cannot hunt down the murderers of Emmit till and exact retribution upon them?

I could go on and on about How my ancestors were treated and How we were introduced to Christianity. I can also talk about how the most vicious atrocities were done to Blacks at their place of worship. The three little girls bombed within a church, The Eight massacred at bible study, Dr Martin Luther King assassinated preaching non violence. I can highlight the Hundreds of Black men and women killed by rampaging Whites during the early 1900. Whole towns of flourishing Blacks killed because Whites do not follow the teachings of Christianity. I ask myself "Are we weak?" The answer I give myself is "No". Although, I do not agree with Botham James little brother I understand that a individual must handle his grief his way. For me, I will never forgive that woman for what she did to that man, who seemed to be what our people needed. A shining light who wanted to build his community through his religion. I believe we must stop accepting apologies without amends. Monetary reward has replace action as a means of Addressing the problem. we must stop Letting these terrorist off the hook. Until we Stop forgiving and Start holding people accountable for our pain The actions of someone Forgiving will not stir up our emotions. forgive my typos and broken sentences, I am tired of Forgiving

Rest In peace Botham James the true victim