Black Lives Matter
*** Disclaimer: I, Amanda, am speaking from my own perspective, which happens to be a white, middle class, cis-gendered, woman in her early 30s. I do not intend to speak for anyone but myself, and strive to cultivate this little corner of the internet to be a safe space for all. When I mention “we” in the following, I am referring to fellow white people.
My brain thinks in bullet points. When there are many things swirling around in my head, I cannot artistically weave beautiful sentences. I make bullet points and I make lists.
There is so much learning and unlearning we need to do, both individually and collectively.
We owe it to our Black/Indigenous/People of Color family, friends and babies.
We owe it to our BIPOC neighbors to step down from whatever pedestal we have created or inherited, and humbly listen.
Our job is not to come in to fix everything, but take personal responsibility in our own lives AND follow the BIPOC leaders who have never stopped leading this charge.
We owe it to our children to show them there is a better way.
We owe it to all the children simply because “there is no such thing as other people’s children” (thank you, Glennon Doyle).
We owe it to the world to not only take this movement and turn it into a trendy hashtag, but to let it transform and teach us - and in turn - change the world for the better.
Because when we know better, we do better.
Our hearts are broken, as they should be. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
It is essential we do this hard, internal work and it is critical we do not cut corners.
Let’s go.
COMPLIMENTARY DAD JOKE:
What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?
- “AYE MATEY”