The last week has been heavy and heartbreaking for many especially for us the black community. There are no words to express how I’m feeling. Some days, I am angry. I feel defeated. Some days, I’m horrified. Somedays I’m numb. I also feel scared. All I know is that I’m tired of it all: the brutality against my people, the non-action of people in power, the lives lost in vain, the change that seems so far away.
Regardless of how I feel, I’m making a daily choice to choose hope. It’s a choice because the reality we are living in doesn’t look anything like the reality we want to see in the future. But hope gives me the power to act, to try, to support initiatives that I believe will bring that change. In the absence of hope, there is no movement. And without movement, there is no change.
For some reason, this latest death of George Floyd hit differently. Not because it’s something we have never seen before, but because people are tired. My hope is this time the movement doesn’t fade away without bringing so much needed changes.
I read somewhere: “don’t ask a black person if he/she is okay.” Of course, we are not okay! I’m ok until someone asks me how I’m feeling, then I remember that I’m NOT ok.
Racism has a long history here in the USA but it’s surprising to me that some people don’t seem to understand that it STILL exists in 2020. Racial profiling, systemic racism, police brutality against black people, racial injustices are very much REAL.
Educate yourself
Saying you don’t know it’s no longer an option. Learn about racism and what it has done to people who experienced it. One thing I’m personally working on is being patient and trying to understand that some people just didn’t know or have never noticed racism.
Support activist organizations
Whether it’s volunteering or donating cash, every little bit count.
These organizations help communities channel their energy in a positive outlet through peaceful protest, policies change, etc. What we are doing now is great, but there has to be a longterm plan.
The National Bail Fund Network
Vote
There is so much protest can accomplish. We need to elect people who represent our interests, people who can influence legislation that is fair and equitable.
And the finances…
That’s why I work so hard for my financial freedom. Not to buy a new car. I don’t need a new house. Nor do I need to go on multiple vacations. BUT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO HELP AND GIVE.
CNN reported that Kanye West has donated $2M to support families of recent victims and he is covering full college tuition for George Floyd’s daughter Gianna. That’s what I want to do for someone one day (hopefully under different circumstances).
Words without actions are powerless. Let’s make sure this issue is discussed and stay at the full front of our lawmakers until there is a change.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
“Racism is not a black people issue but a white people issue” Pastor John Gray
