Say Their Names.....

American streets have been hosting protests, marches and demonstrations for weeks. The call "Say his name!" and "Say their names!" echo as citizens of all ages and races demand change. I watch and support the call and hope that the fact that so many different people are participating, and the fact that the movement doesn't seem to be losing enthusiasm means America will see change.

But today, while watching the morning news, the new COVID-19 stories came up first. Current numbers and new concerns that this first wave is now beginning to peak in many states across our Country. As of this morning statistics show 2.36 million cases in America and 122,000 deaths. The drumbeat continues and almost becomes background music to our day-to-day lives.

So I got a bit curious and did a little google search. Back in February our President "declared there would be no more than 15 coronavirus totals in the U.S." A few weeks later he upped that number stating that 60,000 dead Americans "would be a win"....soon tacking another 40,000 on to that number. Who knows what his math mind is telling him today.

And then I googled to try to find out the first fifteen Americans who fell to this virus. I couldn't find that information, but did find an article highlighting many of the early victims. So I list the first fifteen in that story:

Jazmond Dixon - 31

Shoshanna Davis - 35

Dez-Ann Romain - 36

David Edwards

Lee Green - 49

Sundee Rutter - 42

Floyd Cardoz - 59

Ron Golden - 58

Louise Pevy - 58

Patricia Frieson - 61

Wanda Bailey - 63

Larry Edgeworth - 61

Dennis Dickson - 62

Elizabeth Eugenia Wells - 65

Alex Hsu - 67

Each name was next to a picture of a smiling face and a story about the person lost. Some were holding their children, some were next to a spouse, some were alone. Each left a hole in a family.

Not the very first fifteen.....but let's say their names too. Let's put the number 15 on signs as protests continue....hold it up to 45's cameras and supporters. 

Say their names.....