First and foremost, It's okay if no one reads this, but I am using my voice and my privilege to stand with those who may not have either. Also, I want to point out that since I have found out what happened to George Floyd, I have been hesitant on what to say and how to say it because this matter is VERY important and needs to be addressed with certainty and power.
I am white and I acknowledge that. I do have white privilege and I also acknowledge that. And I have a voice, whether people listen or not, that may help someone down the road.
While donating is important, money isn't what I believe the Black community is looking for. They are looking for peace, for respect, and for EQUALITY. They shouldn't have to EARN the right to be accepted in society- they are born with the right to be accepted as human beings. For centuries the Black community has fought with the White community, and over what? Because their skin is a darker color? Why should that define who a person is? They are HUMAN BEINGS just like you and they deserve as many rights as you do.
To the Black community, I want to say I am sorry. I am sorry for the families who have lost loved ones due to racial violence. I want to say I'm sorry for the people who deal with racism daily. I want to say I am sorry for Blacks being watched over while they're in stores. I am sorry for the unjust that you have been served. I am sorry for the pain and the hurt that you continuously deal with because of your skin color. I am sorry for the racists and the white supremacists and the looks you get and the way you are treated during inappropriate times. I am so so sorry. And I am also sorry that it takes your people dying for the world to realize what's going on.
Black people have been let down for centuries because of other races, especially whites. Black people have been burdened with slavery, racism, and segregation. Imagine what that feels like. Imagine for a moment what constantly living in fear feels like. Imagine what constantly having to look over your shoulder feels like. Imagine being profiled out of a position at work because of your skin color. Imagine being pulled over for nothing but because of your skin color. Imagine watching your friend or family member dying because of your skin color. Imagine not being heard because of your skin color. Just imagine for a moment what that life would be like and then realize that that's a reality for black people. Fear and unjust is the reality for the black community.
How can we, as a whole damn universe, let them be treated like that? Oh, because it's them and not us? We don't have to go through it, so why say or do anything, right? Wrong. Abso-fucking-lutely wrong! They are people just like you, just like me. They are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, nurses and doctors, gas station workers and mechanics, lawyers, and judges JUST LIKE YOU! The ONLY difference there is between us is what we look like and it's about damn time people stop judging and discriminating against others due to artificial things such as their skin tone.
One of my favorite Youtubers said something along the lines of "Black Lives Matter is not political. It's a human right movement" in one of her videos. And I completely stand by her words. These aren't politics, these are basic human rights. The cops involved should be prosecuted for standing around while an innocent black man was being murdered and laws against racism should be better and more criminal. Murder shouldn't have a skin color because MURDER IS MURDER.
And to the people who are saying "it's not just black lives that matter, all lives matter." Yeah, no shit. But all lives aren't the ones fighting for the right as a human to be accepted into society, are they? All lives do matter, but right now the lives that matter are the ones that are fighting for their lives.
Be anti-racist. Educate yourselves and help the ones who need it.
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.
