This time, choose courage.
This time, choose courage.
In the days after the devastating death of George Floyd, we were horrified, devastated and so very angry, again. We had to ask difficult questions; face the failings of our history, our government and our society; and search our own hearts and minds for truth, again.
Before George Floyd; it was Breonna Taylor, and before her Ahmaud Arbery; and before him, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin; and before them, centuries of countless senseless acts of violence against people simply because they were black.
Yes, unfortunately it is a familiar space for us to find ourselves in, again...but this time, it feels different.
This time, immediately after the video emerged of Mr. Floyd’s senseless killing, the officers involved were fired, and finally this week all four involved have been indicted on criminal charges. This time, some police chiefs from across the nation spoke out against the officer’s actions. Citizens began to mobilize, organize and march, but this time those marching were from every generation, every race. They were in all fifty states and cities across the globe. This time police knelt in solidarity with protestors. This time thousands were making this their fight, for the first time. This time the many voices were all in unison. Unapologetically, definitively declaring...Black Lives Matter!
We are at a precipice. We can choose to use this moment of unified humanity to bring the institutional and cultural evolution needed for real change, or we can needlessly waste it... and fall right back into ‘it’s just the way things are.’
Many of you have been fighting this fight for decades, some are just awakened to the cause, no matter where you land on that spectrum, now is the time to lean in, resolute and with courage. Listen to the experience of black people in this country. Choose to hear the very real, lived trauma, fear and constant anxiety that is their truth and DO SOMETHING.
Ready to get started?
Below are several organizations that have been fighting this fight for years. Join them. Take a moment to learn more about the great work they are doing and how you might further their cause. Whether you give your time, make a donation, sign a petition, or direct a local official in your community their way, lending your support, will help.
National Black Justice Coalition
And, VOTE!
Local officials determine police practices and policies as well as make decisions regarding local community investment. So, while Congressional and Presidential elections are important to show up for, we should also NEVER miss an opportunity to weigh in on how things are run closer to home.
Listen, learn, give, advocate, stand up, speak out, show up and vote, vote, vote, always VOTE ...and we just might be the generation that finally ends racism in America.
xx
Kim and Allie