Enough is Enough

I've been quiet these past few days, trying to figure out what to say or if I should say anything here at all. I grappled with whether or not posting something on my business channels was the way to go because I feel that sometimes, businesses doing posts of this nature--while well-intentioned in most cases--can come across as a little hollow or like a PR grab, and I would never want to give that appearance. It felt right to post something, though, so I finally settled on doing so.

It's been very difficult trying to find the words to convey how heartbroken and sick I am over the current situation; the murder of George Floyd and the murder and mistreatment of countless other Black men and women in America is absolutely appalling. The plain truth is, I can't possibly know what it feels like to be afraid of law enforcement or fearful to simply exist because of my skin color. However, I would never want to marginalize the struggles or hurt experienced every single day by Black people by trying to say that I understand, so I will not do that. What I will do is listen, learn, hold myself and others accountable, call out racism every time I see it, and work every day to be the best ally I can.

There are many many ways you can help the Black Lives Matter movement, including attending protests and signing petitions; I'm specifically going to share a few links here for organizations that could use funding, because donations are a great way to support the cause and show solidarity.



https://blacklivesmatter.com/

https://www.naacpldf.org/

https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com/

https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor

https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/freeblackmamas2020



Just posting on social media isn't enough--that's slacktivism, and we can all do better. Listen. Learn, ask questions, and be willing to change your mind if you find out you were wrong. Protest safely. Donate. Vote. And keep making noise.

When trying to decide on a photo for this post, I came across this one, taken earlier this week at the protests downtown by Orlando Sentinel photojournalist Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda. It spoke volumes to me and I hope that it also speaks to you.