Most of us know this and are actively standing up with our communities of color.
It’s about time.
Nobody gets to choose the skin color they’re born with any more than they can choose which country they’re born in. And while things have changed dramatically in the past half century, they’re not as good as some may think.
While research shows that 86 percent of white people today say they have black friends compared to only 18 percent in 1964, this does not address the systemic racism that has been happening since the days of slavery and before. Recently, it was revealed that climate change affects mothers of color most. “African-American mothers and babies are harmed at a much higher rate than the population at large,” largely because minority women are more likely to live in hotter, more polluted areas.
No mother should have to live with this.
Black inmates populate American prisons at more than five times the rate of whites and underfunded education in schools that are predominantly black are not doing anything to help correct this.
This historical time aims to change all of this and our black communities need all of us to stand with them.
Start with recognizing the white privilege that pervades the American culture and then stand together to abolish it. How we are treated should never be determined by the color of our skin. To support this important movement, here are some things you can do:
- Buy from black-owned companies, especially local ones.
- Donate to Black Lives Matter or other helpful charities aimed at racial equality and justice.
- If you cannot join a peaceful protest, help those who do by providing food and drinks or consider donating to your local bail fund.
- Reach out to at risk youth and donate your time and expertise to help uplift them.
- Stay centered. Don’t let this upheaval steal your balance.
These are both troubling and exciting times. Change – especially sweeping, long-term change – can be scary but if we keep our eyes and hearts open, we can create lasting change that makes everyone equal.