The recent murder of Charlie Kirk shocked the nation and set off waves of outrage, mourning and political debate. His violent death was a tragedy, and it must be said clearly and unequivocally: no one deserves to be murdered for their political beliefs or speech, no matter how offensive, divisive or misguided those views may be.Political violence and murder are never acceptable. In a democracy, ideas must be challenged with words, votes and civic action, never with bullets.

At the same time, we must be honest about the role Charlie Kirk played in shaping our current climate of division and distrust. Kirk was not merely a provocateur; he was a powerful amplifier of conspiracy theories, misinformation and extremist rhetoric.

His message often targeted immigrants, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community and even fellow Americans who simply disagreed with him.

In May 2023 for instance, Kirk said on The Charlie Kirk Show, “Prowling Blacks go around for fun to target white people — that’s a fact.” In January 2024 he remarked, “If I’m dealing with somebody in customer service who’s a moronic Black woman, I wonder if she’s there because of her excellence, or because of affirmative action.”

These were not isolated gaffes; they reflected a larger pattern.

Kirk dismissed white privilege as a “myth,” criticized the Civil Rights Act of 1964, applauded bans on transgender military service and even suggested “Nuremberg-style trials” for doctors providing gender-affirming care.

Through his speeches, social media and Turning Point USA events, Kirk framed diversity and inclusion as threats rather than strengths. He painted opponents as enemies instead of fellow citizens. In doing so, he helped create a culture where cruelty was mistaken for strength and contempt for others was celebrated as courage.

There is a danger to sanitizing Kirk’s history of anti-Black racism and divisiveness.

In the end, his legacy is not one of bridging divides or fostering understanding. It is a legacy of deepening polarization and normalizing cruelty as a political tool.

While his death is a human tragedy, acknowledging the truth about his life and rhetoric is not speaking ill of the dead. Rather, it is resisting the urge to sanitize a career built on division — and confronting the real harm it caused.

What America needs now is not more Charlie Kirks — or more of the young “Charlie Kirks in training” who emulate his brand of politics. Our nation desperately needs bridge builders, racial healers and conveners who lean into the hard, patient work of creating understanding rather than exploiting division.

Boston’s Black community has a tradition of bridge-builders — it’s a proud legacy of leaders who model this kind of courageous, unifying work.

Muriel and Otto Snowden, founders of Freedom House in Roxbury, created a safe space where people of different races, religions and backgrounds could come together. Their Sunday forums, coffee hours and neighborhood meetings helped heal divisions and build coalitions. Freedom House wasn’t just a building — it was a living practice of democracy and inclusion.

The late Mel King carried this tradition forward. A teacher, organizer, state legislator and historic mayoral candidate, he literally opened his home every Sunday to young activists and aspiring leaders. Around his kitchen table, people of all backgrounds gathered to share ideas and plan for a better Boston. It was a simple yet radical act of hospitality that nurtured generations of civic leaders.

Today, George “Chip” Greenidge Jr., founder of Greatest MINDS, continues this legacy. Through mentorship programs and civic dialogues, he helps young people of color navigate college and careers while fostering conversations between youth, elders and policymakers. His work shows what it means to lift others up as you climb and to lead through connection rather than division.

These leaders embody what America needs most. They bring people together, listen deeply and work across differences to solve problems. They demonstrate that real strength comes from community and compassion, not from tearing others down.

A call to action!

We can be saddened by Charlie Kirk’s death and offer our condolences to his family, while still holding an honest account of his divisive legacy. These truths are not mutually exclusive.

This tragedy must also be a wake-up call. Extremism — whether from the far right or far left — is dangerous. Words matter. Rhetoric can inspire action, and at times, it can trigger unstable individuals to commit unthinkable acts.

Imagine a country where our energy is spent lifting each other up instead of tearing one another down. Where the loudest voices call for understanding, not vilification. Where more Muriel and Otto Snowdens, more Mel Kings and more George “Chip” Greenidge lead the way.

While I did not share Charlie Kirk’s political views, I express sympathy and condolences to his wife, children and loved ones. May this tragedy spur meaningful action on gun control, and a renewed commitment to the kind of public discourse that heals rather than harms.

Democracy can be messy and imperfect, but it should never be deadly.

Colette A.M. Phillips is president and CEO of Colette Phillips Communications and author of the book “The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy Anti-Racist Leaders.”