Opinion: Don't tell black people how to react to racist violence

In the past 10 days, at least five predominately black churches have burned, according to The Washington Post. Authorities are investigating at least three as arson cases.

These come just days after a gunman’s massacre at Emanuel AME church in Charleston, S.C. The suspect killed nine people during a bible study class.

There is a long history of hate crimes targeted at black churches, and those affected should process these events in whatever way feels right to them without commentary from those who are unaffected.

College Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., was set on fire on the night of June 21. One of the church’s vans was also burned.

On June 23, God’s Power Church of Christ in Macon, Ga., was set on fire. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the church’s doors wired shut. It is currently being investigated as a case of arson.

It took more than 75 firefighters to put out the blaze at Briar Creek Road Baptist Church in Charlotte. Officials say the church was intentionally set on fire.

These are just the churches that officials say were intentionally set on fire.

None of the burnings have yet been designated as hate crimes by officials, but the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, says the pattern “may not be a coincidence.”

Black churches have been, and continue to be, a site of resistance and organizing. In the 1960s, many demonstrations and trainings occurred in black churches. This is, in part, because they served as safe havens where black people could organize, pray and discuss issues which impacted them.

The status of the predominately black church as a safe place is one reason why they are such clear targets for white supremacist terrorists, from at least the 19th century to 2015.

Terrorists use violence to make groups of people feel as if they cannot be safe in their daily lives. They aim to make sure that traditionally safe, often everyday, spaces are unsafe. The Charleston suspect likely shared this aim.

When a group of people has one of their only safe spaces violated, others would do well to avoid telling this group of people how they’re allowed to react.

Some react to the burning of churches by praying and forgiving. This is legitimate. Others may react with anger. This is also legitimate.

There is no illegitimate way to react to the massacre and subsequent church burnings except to tell those most affected how they should react.