Let's Dismantle Racism. Together.

Racism. What is racism? The technical definition of it is: “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.” And this definition is light, not touching on the inequality and injustices that stem from it.

Right now, the world is at a crossroads, a divide. Millions are listening and learning and contributing to this positive change in society, dismantling racism and injustices one heavy step at a time, while others continue to sit on the other side, staying quiet or completely ignoring the simple fact that racism continues to tear families and communities to shreds -- some seem to believe that racism really “isn’t that bad at all.” Tell that to the families and friends of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, and so many others. I’m sure they’ll understand the “it’s not that bad” stance on racism in today’s society.

The truth is, racism has been present for centuries, and no person or group has ever successfully dismantled it completely. Why is that? Why is it so easy for some to look at a person of color and feel superior? Why is it acceptable for someone to spout racial slurs to a person of color? Why is it okay to HATE someone just because of the color of their skin? Why is it that Black people are seen as less significant than White people? And honestly, I don’t know the answers to any of these questions, because I don’t think this way. But I've spent a lot of my time recently doing research, learning and listening, and doing what I can to help my Black brothers and sisters. I've taken part in protests, which was heartbreaking and emotional, but also empowering and amazing. I've donated, I've voted, I've shared resources. I've watched shows recommended by the Black community, and my blood boiled, not because I understand their pain, but because I can't understand why people would treat another human being in such a cruel way. I am ANGRY. But I am also proud of those that have come together to fight for equality and justice once again.

But why must it happen again? Why didn’t racism end with the first uproar? Why has it continued into 2020? I’ll tell you why -- some people don’t want to change. One is not born with hate in their heart. Hate is taught, hate is learned. But so is love. How can hate be a more important lesson than love? How can someone teach their child that a person of color does not deserve to be treated equally to other people? I’ll tell you why -- their heart is cold. Racism is a worldwide pandemic, lasting longer than any other pandemic in history, and at this point, I fear it’s a bigger problem than the color of one’s skin. This is a people problem, a soul problem. If a man can hate someone that looks, speaks, feels, or believes differently than he, there is something wrong with his soul.

This needs to be talked about, acted upon, and demanded to be fixed. Our world is suffering, humanity is suffering, our Black community is suffering. There are too many damaged souls that refuse to change, to listen and learn, to LOVE. Everyone is always praying for peace. “We just need peace. Peace will solve all of the world’s problems.” But that’s a problem in itself. We cannot have peace until we have justice. We cannot have love until the hate is obliterated. We cannot have equality until all humans are treated equally, regardless of the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation, their beliefs. We cannot say “All Lives Matter” and mean it until Black lives matter just as much as those standing next to them.

Now let me clarify something that has caused much debate and many problematic arguments. The Black Lives Matter movement is not, in any way, saying that other lives don’t matter. Not at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It is no secret that Black lives have been demeaned and ridiculed for hundreds of years. It is no secret that White men have been seen as superior to Black men for hundreds of years. Black lives have not been equal to White lives, ever. The BLM movement is a community of individuals asking for and demanding the equality of Black lives. It is to stand up for the Black lives that have been wrongfully taken, wrongfully accused, and wrongfully mistreated for years. This movement is to bring people together to fight for the equality that is deserved, the justice that is deserved.

This movement is about making “All Lives Matter” an accurate and legitimate statement, but that can’t happen until Black lives are treated EQUALLY to all other lives. Black Lives Matter is about focusing our attention on a community that needs our help, and has needed our help for years. It is not meant to demean another race or person or life. It is to lift up those who are Black and people of color and to demand their equal treatment by ALL.

It's 2020, and things are changing. Progress is being made. And to everyone fighting for this change, keep going. Not everyone agrees with these methods, but IT'S WORKING. Maybe we will live to see the day that racism goes extinct. Now wouldn't that be a world and life-changing occurrence to celebrate! Let's keep going, let's do it together! Take action and do what you can to improve your community, your state, our country, the world. Even if it feels small and insignificant, DO IT. Our Black brothers and sisters need ALL OF US. I'm here, and I'm ready to do anything and everything I can to make your life equal to mine.

And I will end with this quote -- “I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand.” I stand with all of you. Every. Single. One. Of you. SAY THEIR NAMES. OUT LOUD. They did not deserve to have their lives taken. Fight for equality. Fight for justice. Fight for love. And fight for humanity. Let us dismantle racism. TOGETHER.