When the Introverts show up for #blacklivesmatter
I attended my 2nd protest yesterday, like EVER in my life. The first was for March for our Lives in DC a few years ago. Yesterday, I participated in a protest in my hometown for #blacklivesmatter. I am embarrassed to admit how little I have really written on or spoken on the topic of racism. And truly when I speak about/write about/sign my emails with and have tattoos related to PEACE, how can I not? Only recently did I understand that my White Silence is Violence. For this, I am ashamed & believe the knowledge is moving me to do more.
It is neither noble or acceptable to just sit idly by and say “I’m not racists” and have the privilege to sit with my safe/comfortable existence while others are struggling to make it to the next day without incident of violence or racist comments or actions. Not being racist, in no means entitles me to just sit back and think that’s enough. While some in our world have learned to tolerate blatant or covert racism, or die in the process of fighting against it, I have had the privilege of believing the problem has gotten better. But has it?
Watching all the videos that have begun to surface over the past few years, I like many in our world are AWAKE now and thinking…. how many others did we just not know about? When I heard the chant yesterday of “SAY THEIR NAME.” and in response “WHICH ONE?” Tears streamed down my face & I could not speak. How is this our world?
While slavery as our country once knew it was abolished long ago (let me be clear, we still have slavery in our country known as forced sex slave industry and forced child labor…but that is topic for another time) how did we think this was simply enough? How little have we done to make reparations? What have we done as a country, as a culture, to change the narrative and perceptions of black people in our country? What have we done for healing, for peace, for true opportunity?
While I have had the freedom of being born after the civil rights movement, without the in person knowledge of separate restrooms and drinking fountains, and live in a fairly welcoming/accepting/liberal/progressive city and county, I have come to learn that is simply my own perception. The same prejudice and “driving while black” has been known for years within this community. How did I not know?
I listened to the brave-loud-amazingly strong young men and women chant these phrases yesterday and I will not forget. I will show up. I will step outside of my introverted bubble and be your ally.
I will not forget your words:
NO JUSTICE. NO PEACE.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
HANDS UP. DON’T SHOOT.
SAY HIS NAME. GEORGE FLOYD.
SAY HER NAME. BREONNA TAYLOR.
SAY THEIR NAME. WHICH ONE?
I cannot lead the fight. And let’s all breathe a little sigh of relief for that as I am a small/quiet/introverted psychotherapist, & writer. Did I mention I am really shy? But I can tell stories. I can write. I can educate. I can participate in protests. I can give my money to organizations in my community that can make a difference. I can call out racism when I see it, and stand up for black friends/family. I can vote in candidates who support equality, and vote out others who do not. I can research policies, particularly with law enforcement in our community, and push for change in regulations. I can read more books/articles with historical truths to educate myself and humbly acknowledge my own racial biases, in hopes to end this cycle with me. I can create community around me that is inclusive, of race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, religion and whatever else leaves one to feel “less than” in our community.
These are little. I admit it….little steps. But as one once said….
”Not all of us can do GREAT things. But we all can do small things, with great love.”
Saint Teresa of Calcutta (formerly Mother Teresa)
What are you doing?
Peace…….
