There is no perfect way to put into words Americas inhumane, horrifying, and heartbreaking current events. Regardless, I hope you will still read what I have to say. Along with everyone else, my head hurts, my heart hurts, and I’m scared. I am also angry, however my intent is to speak with love as I believe that is how others will be most willing to listen. 

People are angry. I am angry. How have we gotten to a point where the death of Black citizens who are unarmed is normal? At what age did we learn to make people feel like “others”? When did we adopt the thought that “black is bad”? How can we say that skin color doesn’t define someones character and still hold our bags tighter when a person of color walks past us? How do we live with ourselves when we teach our children to teach other children to hate themselves? Who are we supposed to ask for help when the ones whose job it is to protect us, are the ones aiming their guns at us? 

If you are white, please know your privilege. Recognize everything that we are given for simply being white. Realize that we are not negatively affected or constantly reminded of the color of our skin. White privilege is rooted deep in history where racist people did whatever was necessary to make white people superior, while making life extremely difficult for people of color.  

If you don’t believe racism is real in America, I am convinced you are intentionally looking the other way. My heart is torn knowing that people are losing their child, parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, due to evil. It’s exhausting to try to explain the simple obvious truth that a life is a life. We are past the point of looking for justification for these murders. Now we need to be focused on solutions- reform in the justice system, in our society, and in our circles and homes. 

We live in a time where people have to worry that their loved ones will be inhumanely killed by corrupt “authority”. This isn’t new. Saying that it is, is just an excuse to avoid taking responsibility for not speaking sooner. I have feared saying the wrong thing. I have worried that it would seem disingenuous to post because of my privilege, and then worried that if I didn’t post the right things, I would be the problem. If you have the same internal argument, I urge you to take a step in the right direction. The discomfort is so small in comparison to how important the conversation is. We, meaning myself and all white people, have so much growing to do. 

If you’re angry about this movement, about people demanding to be treated as equals, ask yourself why that is. We have to come together, this is not a fight for Black people to face on their own. We owe it to the ones that have lost their lives to at the very least, have these conversations. If someone tells you that you have been racist or have a privilege, believe them. You don’t choose your privilege. It isn’t up to you how someone might perceive your actions, but it is up to you to respond to it. Apologize, but know that what is done is done and just do better going forward. Hold people accountable, even if you lose a friend. Cleanse the racism out of your life. If someone says something hurtful, correct them. Make it uncomfortable for people to be disrespectful. Encourage your older family members who may have antiquated thoughts or be less informed, to do their research and to listen. I don’t understand how this is still a debate. Fighting for Black lives and justice does not take from anyone else. Giving love to people of color does not take love away from white people. Human beings should not have to fight to prove they are human beings. I cannot wrap my head around the thought of seeing it any other way. 

Please go out and vote. Please donate if you can. Please spread the word. I am committing to continue to be having conversations with people online and offline, calling out things that I know are wrong, and educating myself. I am so sorry. I value your life, your family’s lives, you matter then, now and always. 

RIP Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Oluwatoyin Salau, Robert Fuller, and all the Black Americans who have unjustly lost their lives. 

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here is where I got these charts and there are many more if you’re interested.

here are tons of links for different ways you can help.

here is a list of movies you can watch

here is a list of books you can read/listen to

Thank you so much for reading 💛✨