The events over the last couple of weeks are hard to witness. I was enraged reading about the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and then waking up to the news of George Floyd’s death was like a punch in the gut. I couldn’t bring myself to watch a man die on video at the hands of someone who’s supposed to protect him. 

It is raw and it is REAL! 

But like many, I find myself stuck in a turbine of emotions — anger, sadness, impotence. This is not the first time we are witness to racism in this country. And I find myself wondering, will things ever change, will a new generation be able to walk down the street without fearing for their lives? Will my children be subjected to a different way of life because their skin is darker than others? 

Racism is a reality; it is not a myth; it is not an instance. It’s a systemic inequality that continually suffocates our society, not allowing it to grow and flourish. It is the reality that Black Americans and other people of color (POC) experience a world that doesn’t welcome and support them day in and day out.

When confronted with this reality, what can we do? That is what I found myself wondering after turning off the news last night. 

Be An Advocate

Your support matters more than you can imagine. At the core of racism is the idea that someone doesn’t matter, that they have no value and don’t belong. By becoming an advocate you counter that ideology. When you fight for the rights of others you let them know that they are valued and they have a voice and more importantly you help to create spaces where their voices can be heard. Familiarize yourself with organizations and causes that are fighting racism and help support and champion Black Americans and POC. 

Check Yourself 

We ALL have implicit biases and prejudices that inform our thoughts and views. These biases can consciously and/or unconsciously lead us to unfairly judge others and devalue them. Take an introspective look and check your biases. We can’t hope for change in others when we are unwilling to do the hard work of change in us. 

Be An Influencer 

We all have influence. We have a small space in which our opinions and thoughts are heard and valued. In that space is where we can enact the biggest and most impactful change. Step into the difficult and tough conversations with your circle of influence. Have honest and open discussions about why your group is diverse or why it isn’t? Speak to your children about diversity and its importance. Bring up issues of representation with trusted co-workers and speak into how they can be better addressed. 

Call It Out 

See something. Say something. Don’t tolerate racist behavior around you. If you see someone displaying acts of hatred towards another call it out safely and acknowledge that is unacceptable. Racism comes in many forms, sometimes blatant and overtly (“I hate black people”) and other times it comes in covert form or microaggressions (speaking to a POC “You are so articulate”). No matter which way it is expressed, call it out and stop it from spreading. 

Martin Luther King said it best when he said “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” It is a challenging time in this county and it is time to stand up on the right side of justice!