I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand.
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Image from @goodnewsfeed
Racial equality needs to be our reality.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
~Desmond Tutu
So far, 2020 has isolated us, united us and divided us. And it's not even halfway over. What has been happening is heavy, heartbreaking and tragic. I have been seeking guidance on how to be a part of this revolutionary movement in an impactful way. I know that silence is not an option.
Image from @tms_kb
I don't have solutions, but I am constantly educating myself and actively seeking ways to be a part of reconciliation. It has to get better. It must get better.
First of all, I want to make something clear. Racism is a HUMANITARIAN issue. I know that some of you might disagree with me voicing my opinions here, but I will not stop. Because there are too many people just like me who are staying silent. And our silence is leading to more black lives being lost. Our silence and ignorance is continuing to let racism into our schools, neighborhoods, political system, justice system, and every other part of our society.
It’s our jobs, as human beings, to help find the solution. As @sirjohn beautifully puts it, “It’s a privilege to educate yourself about racism instead of experiencing it.”
I want to use this platform as a way to inspire others to stand up, too. Let’s all take ACTION together so that we can finally make lasting, meaningful change.
Each and every one of our voices matter. USE IT.
PLEASE VOTE! And not just at the federal level, but at the state and local level as well.
We can protest and fight back as much as we want, but if there isn’t systemic change from within, these murders and injustices will keep happening.
It is time we have leaders who stand with our minority communities. It is time we have leaders who will change our justice system. It is time we have leaders who will fight for the marginalized people in this country.
I am committing myself to doing better; to educating myself; to learning how to be a better citizen for our world. I hope you will stand with me and show up for the black community. Now is not the time to be silent.
Image from @ecowithem_
Instagram has been such an amazing tool to help educate myself, hear different perspectives and find resources. So I wanted to share some helpful posts and links that I’ve found over these last few days that I am now incorporating into my own personal life, as well as sharing with my family. Remember that I am constantly learning new things everyday in order to be a better ally for all BIPOC and an active supporter of racial justice. I hope that you can find these resources helpful in your OWN journey to fight racism.
Here's to further educate ourselves, learn, and unlearn.
*NOTE: Images are from all over Instagram. I have linked the sources that I know of at the end.
Previous images from @goodgoodgoodco and @anxiety_wellbeing
From @theeverymom Here is the link to full blog post
And these are just a FEW resources. Check out this incredible document intended to serve as a resource to white people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work.
Image from @ohhappydani
I also want to share a little bit about how to be a good ALLY. This is all from the lovely advocate Marie from @wastefreemarie . If you’re on Instagram, I highly encourage you to read the whole post! Below are just pieces from it.
I truly believe that we can—and will—find a solution. But it's going to take more of us standing up and speaking out together against the injustices we see.
And remember:
Image from @ohhappydani
