Do Better

The past few weeks have been devastating, and I am unsure what I can say that would make a difference in the face of so much pain, anger, and injustice. What I do know is that saying nothing is likely much worse. How can I encompass the gravity of what the Black Community is facing—has been facing for centuries in this country, in a blog post? I can’t. It’s overwhelming and disheartening.

I feel a lot of anger. I am angry for my friends, colleagues, and all humans who have to deal with racial injustice and inequality on a daily basis. I am angry that there are so many people who don’t see, or refuse to admit, there is a problem. I am angry that many don’t believe that Black Lives Matter. I feel anger and frustration, sadness, and helplessness.

I also feel grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn—to hear the stories of those who weren’t born with the privilege I can so easily take for granted. I am grateful for the voices of compassion and empathy and the voices that shout and chant and scream. I am grateful for the grace that is offered to me when I say or do the wrong thing, and the gentle correction so I can move forward to assist in the fight against oppression and brutality.

I want to do better. I have to do better. We all have to do better. We must engage. We must move toward change. We must become involved. Speak out, donate, make phone calls, seek information, listen, and vote. Please vote. The decisions we make at a local level have far-reaching implications for future policy.

It’s a long road and it is going to take a lot of work. Racism doesn’t happen overnight, and it sure doesn’t go away in a day. Do what you can, just do something.

Joanna Goddard has a great post on her site A Cup of Jo that I highly recommend. It is entitled ‘On Becoming Anti-Racist’.

This! #BeSafe #BeVigilant #justiceforgeorgefloyd #BLM #letfreedomring (via @calirock ) via @bscott

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@kthpupp [image: tweet by @kthpupp that reads: "Whether you like it or not, this year will be written in history, your children will be educated of these events. They are gonna ask you what you did, wouldn't it be embarrassing to say to your own children that you did nothing because you were uncomfortable."] #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #BreonnaTaylor #AhmaudArbery

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Resources:

Below are a few resources from friends and around the Internet to help you understand white privilege, educate yourself about racism, and learn to be an ally.

List of books, essays and other resources about white privilege and racial inequality