Speak Up and Do Better

I’ve spent the last two weeks struggling to write this blog post. My dilemma: Should I post about the Black Lives Matter movement? I don’t normally talk about human rights. I’m a well-to-do white woman who hasn’t had to face the violence and discrimination a black American does. And I’m far behind the rest of the crowd in even broaching this topic. What can I possibly have to say?

If nothing else, I can add my voice to the national outcry.

You can not change what you refuse to confront.
John Spence

I care about making this a just and kind world, and it can’t be unless we treat everyone as an equal. Black Americans deserve to be safe and healthy, to be treated with respect.

Much as I believe these words, I’m terrified to be writing about this. Lots of people trying to tell their truth right now are getting shot down for it. I don’t want to expose myself in this crazy climate. But I also know that I can’t stay quiet.

The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have to speak up. We have to say what we believe. And we have to find a way to change the world for the better.

What can we do? There are lots of suggestions out there. I’m starting with this one:

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
Maya Angelou

I am reading black authors and listening to their stories, so I can learn about the injustices that they face. I am talking to my friends in depth about this issue so we can work on finding solutions. I’m donating money to responsible organizations that are fighting to end racism by working for equal rights on all levels. I will vote for anti-racist candidates. I’m learning what better looks like, so I can be better going forward.

And while I realize that racism is a long standing issue that is going to require continued attention, I’m taking these words to heart: