Let’s talk about racism #blacklivesmatter

George Floyd and his tragic death have been much on my mind. The last few days I’ve watched the news with deep sadness and horror and I’ve been searching for the right words, unsure if there are any right words, but what I do know is what’s happening is not okay. I can’t pretend to know how it feels to experience racial injustice and inequality but I don’t want to let my discomfort that I might say the wrong thing prevent me from saying anything at all.

I used to think it was enough that I wasn’t racist. I used to think it was enough that I’ve brought my children up not to be racist. That, as a family, we’re tolerant, compassionate and non-judgemental. I used to think that was enough.

It isn’t.

I’ve been at a loss to know how to transition from the side-lines to taking positive action so I’ve spent some time educating myself. Reading and watching videos and trying to process all I am learning and I still have such a lot to learn.  I’m opening up conversations, listening and today I wanted to share some of the resources I’ve found useful.

The book – ‘White Fragility’ Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism’ by Robin Diangelo has come highly recommended. It’s my current read although I haven’t finished it yet.

On Instagram – @theconscious kid

Facebook – NAACP

Twitter – Black Lives Matter

If you didn’t know there is also a ‘Justice for George Floyd’ petition on Change.org.

You can also donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund to support the Floyd family here and the Minnesota Freedom Fund which is a community based non-profit that pays criminal bail for individuals who have been arrested while protesting police brutality.

Finally, if you’re confused about why people who use #AllLivesMatter are subject to criticism then this article explains it in nine simple ways.

Let’s keep talking.