There is hope for humanity, but in order for us to get there, we really have to interrogate not just what it takes to change laws, but what it takes to change culture that supports laws that uplift humanity and also supports laws that serve to denigrate it.

The quote "There is hope for humanity, but in order for us to get there, we really have to interrogate not just what it takes to change laws, but what it takes to change culture that supports laws that uplift humanity and also supports laws that serve to denigrate it." by Alicia Garza emphasizes the importance of not only addressing legal systems but also challenging the cultural norms that influence them. Garza, an influential activist and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, points out that achieving real progress requires a deep examination of the cultural attitudes and beliefs that shape the laws governing society. It is not enough to simply change laws; we must also shift the culture that perpetuates laws that either uplift or oppress different communities.

Originating from Garza's work in social justice and racial equity, this quote underscores her belief in the intersection of law and culture. As an advocate for systemic change, she stresses that legal reforms are only meaningful if they are supported by cultural shifts that align with values of equality and human dignity. Garza suggests that laws are not created in a vacuum; they reflect the cultural biases and values of the society that creates them. Changing the culture that shapes those laws is crucial for ensuring long-term justice and equity.

Garza’s statement also calls attention to the dual role that culture plays in shaping both progressive and oppressive laws. She highlights that society’s cultural beliefs can lead to the creation of laws that uplift humanity, like those supporting civil rights, but can also sustain laws that denigrate marginalized communities, such as discriminatory policing practices or voter suppression laws. To truly create a more just society, both the cultural attitudes and the legal structures that influence how we treat one another must be addressed.

Ultimately, this quote reflects Garza’s commitment to creating holistic change—one that is not confined to legal reforms alone but also challenges the deeper cultural forces that shape how we understand and apply justice. By urging society to interrogate the intersection of culture and law, Garza advocates for a future where equity, justice, and humanity are not just legally protected but deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of society.