The Black Lives Matter Movement

2020 has already been a year unlike any other. First COVID-19 turned our world upside down and many of our lives felt put on pause for months. Now, as we emerge from quarantine we have jumped straight into “the biggest collective demonstration of civil unrest around state violence in our generation’s memory. The unifying theme, for the first time in America’s history, is at last: Black Lives Matter” (New York Times). Our world is changing in so many ways and you can either choose to bury your head in the sand or look for what you can do to make a difference. 

I honestly have been hesitant to post or write about what is going on because I don’t want to say the wrong thing. It’s been breaking my heart to read the news, arguments, and comments on social media. People are rightfully angry and others feel disrespected. Growing up in a predominantly white town but with parents who always highlighted the importance of equality and equity, I felt like I needed to at least say something that may resonate with some people. 

I’ve realized it’s okay to feel confused and have no idea what to do or say. I’m part Hispanic and Chinese but I look white and was born into privilege. I have never really faced the racism that people of color can encounter daily, and likely never will. I can’t even pretend to know what it must feel like. No one can ever understand what someone else is going through because we all experience and think things differently. 

So what can you do? 

You can always inform yourself, really try and understand what is happening and why. 

You can listen and be supportive of those in need. 

You can take more action and donate to helpful causes (here are 115 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color), you can sign petitions, and go to protests or support protestors. 

You can acknowledge faults of your own and strive to change for the better. 

It is never okay for someone to be treated differently based on the color of their skin. It is time for change but I wish for us all to approach each and every person with love and kindness.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” – Martin Luther King Jr.