For the first 10 minutes or so, the gathering of white-coated physicians on a sunny lawn at UPMC Montefiore on Friday was an upbeat affair, with speakers urging love and unity. Then, at 1:14 p.m., Dr. Rickquel Tripp announced the time had arrived to kneel. Quickly, the mood turned somber. Heads bowed. Quiet descended upon the lawn.
The kneeling would last for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, said Tripp, assistant professor of emergency medicine and vice chair of diversity, equity and inclusion at UPMC. That’s the length of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to George Floyd’s neck in May 2020. Floyd died as a result.
So began the White Coats Against Racism & Injustice Kneel. Now in its fifth year, the event is a way for health care professionals and others to unify in opposition to the hate and injustice that affects historically marginalized communities.
“I just want us to believe that we’re not powerless in this fight,” said Dr. Naudia Jonassaint, who, like Tripp, is assistant professor of medicine and vice chair of diversity, equity and inclusion at UPMC’s department of medicine. “If we look to our left and right, and we love as we want to be loved, we’d have exactly the world we want today.”
After the kneeling, Felicia Savage Friedman, who was born in the Hill District and grew up in East Liberty, urged attendees to closely examine themselves. “Notice who you speak with … notice who is in your circle and who’s not in your circle,” she said. “Don’t look outward, look at your own life. We are the change, and we can make the change.”
She then provided everyone with bubble wands. Have fun, she commanded.
“While you’re standing against oppression, celebrate your life at the same time,” she said. Within moments, laughter and bubbles filled the air.
Steve is a photojournalist and writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he is currently on strike and working as a Union Progress co-editor. Reach him at smellon@unionprogress.com.