Saturday afternoon at 3:30, our team of remaining employees (post pandemic) came together on a Zoom call to discuss the protests unfolding downtown. We quickly all agreed that it would be the best decision to cancel our concert/bike event that was scheduled to be held at various locations downtown that evening, as well as the following night.
For the past two and a half months, our group has been running in circles on how to find a way to survive. Though it was heartbreaking to put so much work into these first initial attempts of organizing music again in our city, it seemed to be the right choice and we were at peace.
As we finished the call, I was glued to the news reports as things quickly escalated. I began to realize this was a historical moment. There have been many instances of unjustified police murders perpetrated on American citizens that had not resulted in this type of response both locally and nationally.
It was a lot to unpack. Some people on social media spoke about their disapproval of looting and rioting. The interesting thing I have noticed is, very few people actually support these actions within my social network. And that is complicated.
In my opinion, this was a perfect storm of sorts to push forward a movement of holding police officers who commit crimes accountable. There are some who have said things like, “A lot of cops are good people.” And, while I agree, this isn’t the issue. The issue is accountability.
I would argue that these protests were so intense and so different that positive change will come from this. Is looting and rioting positive in general? No. Is it unfortunate for those that are negatively affected? Absolutely.
But what we saw across America put politicians and police squarely focused on the issue that these protests were meant to serve. And, in my opinion, these actions created progress in that sense.
My feeling at the end of the day was not of certainty like many of my peers. The feeling I was left with was uncertainty. Curiosity to know and understand more. To do something meaningful within and outside of the things within my skill set. To engage meaningfully with my community. To understand the layers. To understand the history.
The truth is, it is easy for anyone to adopt the cause of racial equality. Our moral compass guides us to that conclusion. But the harder part is more nuanced. To reach meaningful change in any arena takes time. It takes patience. It takes acceptance of self and others. It takes love. It takes feeling safe within our social groups. It takes being uncomfortable. Real change is hard. My concern is that tribalism and group-think will simplify racial equality for many.
After the protest is over, what will we do as individuals? How will we leave the world a better place? In truth, I don’t know yet, but I am willing to try and willing to learn.
For the last 18 years, I have worked with musicians from around the country and around the world. We will continue to host diverse events with people from all walks of life. We love, accept and appreciate so many people who have performed and attended our spaces. Things that came out of Saturday’s protest remind me that I need to work harder, to try and understand, to study history and to love.
No matter what your opinion of these events are, I hope we can be kind. That we can empathize with people. Look for deeper change that will impact things for a long time to come. And, most importantly, stand together and strive to better understand one another.
Will Sartain
Will Sartain is co-owner of S&S Presents, Salt Lake City.