Jun 3, 20202 min read

Black Lives Matter

I understand you come here for the food, but I feel it would be remiss for me not to mention what is plaguing our nation. Yes, this year has dealt us a virus in the most literal sense, but I am talking about the racism, violence and lack of justice that are so deeply embedded in our society and so desperately in need of being eradicated. I will not keep you too long because this is not about my voice, this is about directing your attention to black voices because they need to be heard. Silence allows this horror to continue. We all need to work for change, not just in the days directly following the instigating act of racism, not just when it headlines the news, but every single day. For those of us who are white, we need to recognize the privilege our whiteness gives us in small and large ways. We must help dismantle the systems that have allowed this inequality to go on for far too long. We need to educate ourselves about our privilege, and understand that that education is an ongoing process, not a one and done. It is time to get comfortable being uncomfortable. We need to ask what we can do to help. Shopping at black-owned businesses, ordering food from black-owned restaurants, and peacefully protesting are some great ways to support the movement. If we are able to, we can provide meals and clothes and donate to the many organizations that are working to make a difference. We need to take the actions the movement is asking of us. We need to vote for change. What matters most is that we amplify the voices that have been silenced for so long. We need to listen!

I have linked below an article my university shared with its incoming freshman when I started college that I found helpful, as well as a few other resources. I am educating myself every day, so please let me know what more I can do, and if there is anything I can do better. Please please help us to create a better, more loving world.

My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Nina Pop, Tony McDade and all the others who have suffered and died. There are so many more, and even having to list one name is far too many. May they rest in peace.

My love to you always.

XX,