Trying to Unpack: Dear White America

Honestly, I have not been able to put my emotions or thoughts into words about the current events of racial injustice for the past two weeks. There are so many layers to the discussion that one paragraph would not do justice. First, I would like to express that speaking out against any world transforming issue can be nerve wracking and intimidating but I am a child of God and if I haven’t realized anything else, I know that the power is within me. God has placed enough strength inside of me to attack any anxiety that is weighing me down. As being a part of the voice of minorities, our voices matter. It echoes across the country because we are looked upon as hope for the future. As we move forward, we cannot forget what has been done in the past. We must look at the past events and learn lessons from them, so that we can better the future. Slavery is what has separated humanity which allowed every person to look at what another person’s skin color was instead of who they were as a human being. The disdain that some White people have for Black people enforces systemic racism. Systematic racism still remains, it just transformed into something new. Something new that we recognize would be Mass Incarceration. In regards to the George Floyd killing, that is the straw that broke the camel's back for everyone, not just Black people. It has been an interesting measure to watch everyone link together for a common fight. This is not something that is new but we are tired of seeing this happen to our culture. Our culture is built off of grit, pain, and tenacity. If you are a Black person then the odds are against you, now it is up to you to go against the odds. Bringing awareness of our daily struggles and educating yourselves will only create a way for the next generation to thrive in, and that is the goal. To every white person, we as black people would like you to see us as human beings. We want you to stand alongside us, support us, hear our cries, and to simply think of us when you are raising your children. And, when you press to mention that “you don’t see color” that actually makes us feel invisible. We do not want you to try to understand us, you never will. We want you to try to help us surpass any obstacle that is in your control. It starts with you taking action, we should not have to dim down their blackness to make you feel comfortable. Lastly, to my Black community, if you are just like me, a young black person unsure of exactly what to say, it is okay. Just say whatever you are feeling, there are no right or wrong answers to verify what you are feeling. We are all together in this and if we take action in being together then we can flee away any fear that is amongst us.