For weeks now I’ve wanted to write about the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the reckoning that’s followed. It’s been challenging to process what must be heard and said in this moment in time.
Like you, my heart is heavy. There’s a lot of unrest, pain, guilt, shame, judgment, confusion, sadness, rage, and grief out there. Awareness is rising. Thoughtfulness and contemplation are starting to replace ignorance and turning a blind eye.
I want to say comforting words to each one of you—even though I realize I won’t say the right things necessarily. And how can I capture what you’re facing, especially if you’re “living while Black.”
What I want to make sure you know is that I care deeply about what you’re experiencing, and I promise to continue my education on systemic racism.
Our collective consciousness is raw. Emotional traumas are being brought to the surface for most everyone I’ve talked with recently.
Active awareness and psychological understanding of the complexities of structural racism is a start. We must have awareness before we can change anything.
When righteous rage is a catalyst, we can lean in and offer up love for ourselves and others. Compassion and self-care are more important than ever. It’s no longer an “if” but a “how” people will take a stand and unite to preserve humanity and foster equity.
We’re not helpless.
We can all make a difference.
Start empowering yourself. Every act of love, solidarity, equity, unity, kindness, and humanity matters more now than you ever thought it mattered before. Make the time, get educated, and be your own catalyst.
Being an active agent of change requires a dutiful and steadfast commitment to unlearning what we think is reality. We must be willing to get uncomfortable by acknowledging the truth. Unpacking our internal biases and holding each other accountable—that’s our responsibility as human beings, especially when it’s hard.
Dismantling white supremacy and racism is going to be terribly hard work, and it will take a long time. We’re just getting started, so settle in and prepare for the long haul.
It’s been almost 2 months since George Floyd’s killing and as the recency fades, and we see the number of conversations and attention decrease, let's keep conscious of what this has all meant and keep progressing toward serious change.
I vow to get more ok with being wrong, to live with more integrity, to learn about and face my own biases, and to consistently grow.
I see you, I hear you, and I will continue doing my part. What steps will you take?
