It’s hard to know the right words to say. I’m scared that I’m going to get it wrong. Because the fact of the matter is, I will never truly understand what it means to walk in the shoes of those who have faced discrimination based on their race. There is nothing I can do to change that.
However, there are some actions I can take.
I can reflect on whether I have added to the pain in any way.
I can reflect on whether there have been times when I’ve been silent, when I should’ve spoken up.
I can reflect on whether I have not been a positive role model to the younger generation when I should have.
Once I have reflected on myself, I can change for the better.
I can ensure I never add pain by being intentional in showing love and understanding to those who deserve it more than ever.
I can ensure I speak up when I see injustice and discrimination as I live my life.
I can ensure I positively role model acceptance, understanding and love to the younger generation so that they can be even better than any of us could imagine.
Speaking up is the beginning. And then it is everything that we do from now on that will make an impact. Even the tiniest of actions – the moments of acceptance, understanding and love – will change the path that humanity has found itself in.
So many wrongs have been done, and there is nothing that will ever undo them. We can’t change the past. But we can fix our hearts and change our future – humanity’s future.
Black lives matter.