During the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, millions of people across the United States watched the events unfold in real time on live television. News broadcasters provided continuous coverage showing how police officers were unable to contain the rioters who eventually breached the Capitol. Watching this attack, I found myself in shock and disbelief that something like this could ever happen in our nation. We saw television images of the hangman’s noose along with the chants of “Hang Mike Pence.”

This was a reminder of how lynching is a dark part of our nation’s history that never totally went away. As an angry mob roamed through the Capitol, congressional staff, members of Congress and Vice President Pence were forced to shelter in place while basically being hunted down. A Confederate flag had never entered the U.S. Capitol during the Civil War; however, it was carried inside the building by the rioters on this sad day. Video footage showed rioters breaking windows and doors and ransacking offices. Approximately 140 police officers were assaulted. 

Yet despite what we saw with our own eyes, the collective memory of Jan. 6 is fading for most Americans. Polls show that only a small percentage of Americans now identify the Jan. 6 insurrection as the defining moment of Donald Trump’s presidency. 

Lying is proving to be an effective political strategy for conservatives because so many people are willing to disbelieve the facts and evidence while accepting untrue conspiracies, even when the truth and facts are crystal clear. 

For example, the facts and evidence proved that while critical race theory analyzes how laws and policies perpetuate racial disparities and systemic racism in society, it was not taught in K-12 public schools as a formal curriculum. Yet conservative politicians and media figures used CRT as a rallying dog whistle to undermine efforts to address racism or promote equity. The furor over CRT was used as a symbol for broader grievances about changing social norms and racial justice. 

“We’re saying, what is the fuss about?” said Lynn Daniel, a ninth-grade English teacher in the Phoenix area. “We don’t get it. This objection is being pushed upon us, and it’s not even happening in our classes. I don’t understand it.” 

Those on social media amplified the false narrative and misunderstandings to fuel the outcry that CRT is “indoctrinating children” and promoting antiwhite sentiment, even when most Americans, including educators, do not accurately understand what it is. The term “woke” emerged as a call to remain vigilant, alert and conscious of racial injustice and social inequality. The antiwoke movement was a direct backlash to the racial justice activism that followed the George Floyd protests. The “antiwoke” rhetoric was used to reframe discussions on CRT and diversity, equity and inclusion as discriminatory, divisive and a threat to traditional values. 

The negative impact from the anti-CRT, antiwoke and anti-DEI movement by ill-willed people became further entrenched when good-willed people of all races chose not to pay attention and stay informed of the truth. The racial backlash has consequences for people of color and their communities. Therefore, there needs to be a backlash to the backlash, where dissent and criticism are not silenced by denying individuals their right to free speech. 

The same conservatives also forget that empathy, diversity, equity and inclusion are biblical principles of unity. While the Charlie Kirk murder has further divided the nation racially and politically, he did not deserve to be killed. As a Christian, his legacy does not totally reflect the character of Christ. Kirk once stated, “I can’t stand the word empathy. I think empathy is a made-up, new age term that — it does a lot of damage.” 

Empathy is defined as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” Wokeness is a form of empathy for the plight and suffering of others. 

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson was chairman of the Jan. 6 House committee. He, in good conscience, could not vote in favor of the Charlie Kirk resolution. I agree with his sentiment and vote. 

The writer is the author of the book “God Bless Our Divided America.”