The Responsibility of Language: A Shift
“Every time there is a move of God, the language shifts.” — Bishop Lester Love
Bishop Lester Love said that every time there was a move of God the language shifted. I think heavily on that thought today as we enter into Black History Month. How did the language shift for African-Americans when they were brought over on ships from Africa and sold into enslavement? I think about how they were able to structure and interpret language in a way that allowed them to understand and be subjected to the harsh realities of living in this new world. I also think about the way that they were able to maintain some sense of connectedness to their own languages while communicating with one another from different countries, from different backgrounds. They were still able to create community. They were still able to create opportunities for connection with one another, in the midst of being thrust into foreign lands, climates, and so much more.
The privilege of open communication was snatched away and replaced with the responsibility of language. Language became what was shared to prepare for a shift, spread instructions, and drive revolutions. The responsibility of language and words has been demonstrated for centuries, allowing us to influence action for the betterment of the future. On a recent family trip to Montgomery, I was struck by the power of words and their influence on the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In particular, I was moved by the actions of Jo Ann Robinson. One determined woman used the resources and access she had to spread the word, a call to action. 35,000 mimeographed handbills yielded the support of 52,000 people boycotting the Montgomery bus system. Words really do have power! The words leading to the boycott signaled a shift in the movement.
Today as we find ourselves in the midst of a civil rights movement, I am reminded of the responsibility of words. I recognize that the fights are nothing new. Instead, they are simply more nuanced. This time, our words are also on the line. From banned books to Twitter bots and the abolishment of “critical race theory,” our access to words is under attack. But why? The answer is simple. We are standing on the edge of a shift.
This month is poised to be quite interesting, especially as the powers that be scramble to censor language and silence voices. I urge us to use this time to review the responsibility of language. I want us to reflect on how far we have come and be honest about how much further we have to go. Mostly, I want us to consider the shift we are currently facing. How will our voices, language, words, etc be a part of the shift? I believe that storytelling, writing, and speaking are forms of activism. It will be these types of activism that will usher in the next shifts toward justice and equality. The language is shifting. A move is happening.
