Be Part of the Change, Not Part of the Trend

The past week has been one that will define history. Taking place right in the middle of a year that our children will live to tell their children about.

When George Floyd was murdered right in front of our faces, he became another name on a long list of black men (and women) taken at the hands of unjust police brutality. Witnessing his murder while handcuffed and on the ground,  with cries that he couldn’t breathe, and watching his breath leave his body— it left most of us without a breath to speak. His call for his mother summoned all black mothers because one day our boys will grow up to be Black men. It hurts that we must worry if a $20 bill, or being out on a run, or walking with skittles, or selling CDs, or sitting at home on the couch… could be seen as a “threat.” The black community yet again cried out for justice and this time, we had more allies than ever before.

Via @themomtrotter – Instagram

When the protests began and the efforts to bring justice to Black Lives and call for recognition and an end to police brutality spread throughout the counties and the regions, it was felt everywhere. And within the white community, there was more online participation and more questions about how white people could help to fight racism, join the fight to make it clear that #BLACKLIVESMATTER and be anti-racist as opposed to just “not being a racist.”

But as the week has come to an end and a new week begins, black people will still be black and the fight and worries will still continue. The “trend” of supporting black will die down and adjusting to the algorithm will have new challenge to beat. I encourage you to BE PART OF THE CHANGE, NOT PART OF THE TREND. Don’t stop your support. Don’t stop learning and teaching your children to be anti-racist in an environment where racism comes all too easy.

Via @teahut – Instagram

Hold your white friends accountable. Hold real conversations with your black friends. If you don’t have black friends, make some. You might have more in common than you think. When everyone comes from a genuine place of love and understanding, only then can we expect lasting and real change.

Most importantly, talk to your children. Our children will shape the future. For some of my favorite helpful books to show your children inclusivity and teaching lessons on love and acceptance, check out this list and a special additional book for sports fans found here.

Via Amazon