The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer has sparked a massive reaction. Peaceful protests are clearly justified. Lawless and opportunistic riots, arson, theft, injuries, and killings are not. At the same time, it is obvious that weeks of COVID-19 fallout coupled with Floyd’s death have put a spotlight on the challenges and desperation that were already afflicting many of our urban communities.

Some argue that socialist nostrums like expanded government provision of services, reparations, and even government takeover of the economy are the answer. But is there a better way—a pathway of reform that addresses the systematic deprivation and hardship suffered by too many urban and minority citizens?

This video features Independent Institute Executive Director Dr. Graham H. Walker and urban and social historian David T. Beito, on June 5, 2020, for a very timely discussion on “Pandemic, Prejudice, Police, and Protests.” Dr. Beito is the co-author (with Linda Royster Beito) of the award-winning Independent Institute biography, "T.R.M. Howard: Doctor, Entrepreneur, and Civil Rights Pioneer." He will explore how the life and insights of this extraordinary black business and civil-rights leader point everyone in the right direction: he founded black community organizations, organized civil rights rallies and boycotts, championed free enterprise, critiqued Big Government and socialism, mentored Medgar Evers, fought the Ku Klux Klan, and helped lead the fight for justice for Emmett Till and others. Raised in poverty and a witness to racial violence from a young age, Howard was passionate about freedom, justice and equality.

Buy the book:

T.R.M. Howard: Doctor, Entrepreneur, Civil Rights Pioneer, by David Beito & Linda Royster Beito: