Following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers, the United States and other parts of the world screamed in outrage. The Black Lives Matter movement has gained such momentum, people are talking about it everywhere. They're posting opinions and images, calling for change, sharing their personal stories, changing business practices, shopping habits, and marching in protest to name a few.
I’m glad people are outraged and spreading the message seemingly further that it has gotten in the past. Things are too far from where they should be and we MUST make corrections and do better.
Image Credit: The female Lead on Instagram, it is a repost of a post.
I simply can’t disagree with the words written here.
I’m still listening, and learning, and discovering ways I can make a difference and carry on a dialogue about it. But this I know:
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IS WRONG, and must stop. The Lord said, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” We are ALL God’s children, therefore we must stand up next to our brothers and sisters who are hurting, tired, afraid, and overlooked, add our voices to theirs and call for change, and then do what’s necessary to help those changes come to fruition. A rising tide lifts all boats. Dismantling systemic racism benefits everyone.
Mo took Zuki and Malaika (who wanted to go despite the risks) to a protest and wrote:
“June 4th, my mother turned 70. She grew up and struggled under Apartheid in South Africa. And here we are 70 years later.... Her grand babies on the other side of the world, still fighting for their humanity. Let that sink in.”
Natalie found some time to go on her own too!
Protesting together as a family with a toddler is hard.
I wanted to to add my voice to the outcry too, but because I’m still compromised, I felt going into the city wasn’t a smart option for me. However, my friend found a local, family friendly protest and invited me! We made posters and went together.
“Have hope and optimism for the future! May we continue to listen, learn and act—change is happening. Black lives matter!"
Hayden wrote, “Stan, Michael, and I, plus close to 300 other people went to a GREAT peaceful protest today in Cameron Park. They had excellent speakers, voting registration, free snacks and water, and links for petitions. We will help bring change. BLACK LIVES MATTER!”
Dad wrote, “We were honored to be led in protest by Stevante Clark, brother to Stephon Clark, shot by Sacramento police in March 2018 at age 22."
And later said, “I wore this armband today to represent my beautiful granddaughters.”
