#ICANTBREATHE on Racism & Ally-ship

I am pained, frustrated, exhausted, and heartbroken by the recent tragedies but most of all I am sorrowful and sickened by catastrophe that seems to have no end. " No peace, no justice, no peace, no justice". What does that mean to you? To me, it's a direct result of years of systematic racism and a cry for allies to stand up and say something on behalf of the marginalized. A cry for understanding, a cry for justice, for equity&equality, for an opportunity to have the same freedoms afforded to people with lighter complexions.  If we ever hope to move past this point it cannot just be people of color who advocate for themselves and bear witness to the blatant injustice afflicting our country.

To those of you asking yourself, "well what can I  do?" Start with self-examination and working through your own prejudices and biases. Next, listen. Listen to those who look different from yourself, listen to the cries of the people who are tired and frustrated. If your excuse is that you cannot hear our voices behind our frustration, that will never be an excuse to live in ignorance. Stop using your privilege to minimize others’ experiences and misconceptualize important moments. Step outside of your discomfort set aside your differences and actually make an effort. I am not sorry racism makes you uncomfortable. As someone in a position of privilege seek justice for the marginalized, advocate for underrepresented minority groups and make a genuine effort to deeply understand the past in hopes for a better, more lucrative future for everyone.

Historically black men and women have been policed unjustly forcing them to be confronted with issues of labeling and a cyclical nature of criminalization, hence the 'school to prison pipeline' highlighted by many criminologists. This just scratches the surface of systematic racism and is one amongst many ways in which discrimination happens. Racism is not a new concept, racism was never 'gone' and the ability to have ever held those sentiments are a privilege in itself.

For those of you asking for my opinion on violent protests. Do I recommend looting? absolutely not. I 100% do not support violence in resolving conflict of any type. However, I understand the deep complexities of racial injustice enough to understand that it is a pent up byproduct of years of injustice, brutalization, and frustration. It has been extremely difficult to put words to my own emotions and frustration. It seems insensitive for people to want to cry about loss of items and money but not about people who look like me and my loved ones being murdered. Someone invoked the allusion that, " blaming people for having sentiments of frustration and rage towards a system designed for oppression is like blaming the last domino that fell but not holding the first domino in the assembly accountable for the effects of its actions."  At the end of the day, things are replaceable, people are not. It is definitely a privilege to hold the stance of "money  >" without an inkling of being affected by the loss of life in comparison to the loss of material wealth.

There is a long way to go for everyone but I am always open and will always hold space for tough conversations, for respectful questions and to educate those who want to learn. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need to vent, talk, or have questions regarding systemic racism, the criminal justice system, or how you can be an ally. Take this moment as an opportunity to move forward, towards living your life in a way that is honorable to you and to others.

Lord,

Thank you for being a source of solace and rest during this time of unrest and continuous chaos. Discomfort, disruption, and discord are abounding yet you cover me with strength and peace to persevere. You allow me to embrace you during this time of pain and anger. May I take this space to cleanse my heart, refresh my spirit and clear my mind so I do not become paralyzed and enslaved to bitterness and fear.