Black Lives Matter.
My heart aches.
I’ve tried several times to start writing about the continuation of unjust killings of black individuals by police forces in our country. After reading a variety of postings, I’ve realized I can’t personally write much because they aren’t my experiences to share. The point of this post is:
Black Lives Matter.
White folks, this is not our time to say “yes, but…” This is our time to listen and lift up black voices. When I asked my friend Drew how I could support the black community, he told me that “silence doesn’t help any oppressed group.”
Don’t avoid this because you’re uncomfortable.
We all have the opportunity to help this world heal by recognizing our white privilege (yes, it is a thing), stepping down, and lifting up. Do not use your words to silence others. Listen, empathize, and ask what you can do to help.
Knowing that I can't write a long post about the terribly broken and racist systems we have in our communities, I end this post by lifting up other voices. Below are some links for you to browse in order to become more educated and find out different ways you can help.
Donate to Alton Sterling Family Scholarship:
Donate to the family of Philando Castile:
DeRay Mckesson’s arrest during Baton Rouge protest
More on Baton Rouge
Facebook post from someone reflecting on structural inequality:
Watch a video of Jesse Williams talk about race in America:
The following link sends you to a Facebook post full of informational links on ways you can support and articles you can learn from:
Photo by: Jonathan Bachman (retrieved from bbc.com)
