Black Lives Are Not A Passing Trend

Some people think of this time as a major inconvenience. The protests, the petitions, the painful hashtags.  I see the averted eyes when marches stream through neighborhoods filled with comfort and gentrification. I notice the glazed expressions when accounts of microaggressions and blatant racism are detailed. I recognize the lip service for humane treatment, fair opportunities and cultural awareness. But I have not seen any real action. There have been lots of posting, friending and sharing of outrage on social media. I am sure it helps some people feel better. But I don't feel better. This is not a passing phase for Black people. We are fighting for our lives. Lives that have never been valued in this country and still aren't. It appears that a lot of people are just waiting for all of this to magically go away. It is not going away, we are just getting started.

So if you're waiting for things to go back to the way they were, you are in for major disappointments. We are not going back. We can only go forward and the change this brings is not typically a comfortable process. Black people are accustomed to living with the discomfort of racism so do not expect comfort as its evils are finally addressed. If you can not protest, if you can not donate, I suggest you find some way to volunteer your skills to the Black Lives Matter movement. and the organizations pushing for change.

Most importantly, educate yourself with this thoughtful list of books, movies and TV shows that address the systematic racism that has plagued this country since its inception. We are in the midst of a revolution and this country will never be the same. It does not matter if you accept or approve of it or not. But it would be helpful if we were all on the same page.