I never share my political beliefs on my blog and rarely chime in on current events as this is not a blog focused on either.
But this week was a nightmare and I am just grateful I was able to get through it while holding it together.
Being silent when I have a platform to speak is only being a part of the problem.
What do you think was running through my mind every time you shared that video of a man being shot in cold blood?
It was triggering. No matter your good intentions, it all too quickly brings back the fear of authority African Americans faced in this country during and certainly prior to the Civil Rights movement.
It desensitizes the public to these kinds of actions.
It breeds a ground for those with hate in their hearts to spread it in the comments section below.
So how did it feel this week?
I felt helpless, disgusted and angry.
People still emailed me about clothes, events, future trips and I replied methodically but in the background my mind was reeling.
By Friday my head pounded, heart raced and I wondered how to make it through the day alongside my coworkers that laughed without the same heaviness in their heart.
I won’t sit quietly.
It isn’t for me to tell others what to do, feel or how they can help. But know this week many of us were hurting silently.
Our hearts ached to see our lives thrown away carelessly by those dedicating themselves to protecting them.
And then I saw you.
Perhaps it is the company I keep or that over time distance has weeded out the others but I saw so many of my white counterparts take to their platforms to raise awareness and support the Black community.
And I cried. Out of sadness but now with hope.
This post isn’t meant to ostracize anyone, but to share my thoughts and feelings on this week and to connect with you.
If you’re able to take even a moment and place yourself in another persons shoes this weekend, please try. If you feel compelled to take action, please do.
