How Did We Get Here?
What a year it's been. Thinking back to December 2019, right before we moved to Canada, I never thought that by June 2020, we'd be here. I've learned a lot in the last five months and have come to appreciate time and people a whole lot more than I used to.
I won't dive back into the specifics of what's been happening all over the U.S. because, unless you live under a rock, you should be well aware of how communities and lives have drastically changed overnight. My heart breaks for the black community, and I'm mortified at my lack of awareness over the years around racism in my community. Growing up, I went to predominately white schools. It wasn't until going to Michigan State that I would know what it was like to be surrounded by diverse human beings and why it was so important to incorporate that diversity into my life. This carried over into my job at Enterprise right after college too and allowed me to be more open in conversations and willing to bring in diverse perspectives.
Ok....that's great and all, but what did I do with these new, diverse, experiences? With these new conversations and perspectives? When it comes to anti-racism, I did nothing. I could say I listened and tried to understand, but honestly, in my early to mid-twenties, I really only cared about myself and my own struggle as a female trying to make it in corporate America. I recognize my faults—as a human and as an ally—and am choosing not to dwell on it or hide behind naivety. I have a voice, and I know what it's like to have other voices stand up for me, so it's time for me to stand up and stand with the voices of the black community. Today, tomorrow, next week, next year, until Black lives truly matter.
Today, I went to my first protest. After self-education on the history of racism, unconscious bias, and how to be prepared when joining a protest, I felt called to immerse myself in this experience and the need to listen to the empowering stories of those who spoke. It was a very humbling experience and opened my eyes up to the fact that this is not just an American problem. Racism is in Canada—it's everywhere.
I felt a little out of place as a white, American woman at a Canadian protest for the Black Lives Matter movement, but how are you supposed to truly know what's happening where you live without hearing those raw, emotional experiences. It's also important to recognize that as a white person, you SHOULD feel uncomfortable and it SHOULD make you realize that the black and indigenous communities have felt this discomfort and emotional distraught for hundreds of years. Take that discomfort and channel it into action and when you see racism happening, call that person in and have a conversation because they need to be educated NOW.
This quote from today stuck with me: "Calling someone in might be uncomfortable at first, but you know what's more uncomfortable? Having a knee on your fucking neck!"
TRUTH.
The protest today was peaceful, the energy was high, the emotion was REAL. I'm glad I joined in with my new community and plan to continue taking action as an ally.
Another great quote from today: "This is a love revolution."
If you want to educate yourself but don't know where to start, here are just a few of the really great resources out there that I've either already dove into or have it on my list:
Shows (on Netflix)
Dear White People
13th
When They See Us
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
Podcasts
Books
Videos
Articles
I've also been sharing resources to my Instagram Stories as I see them come through on my feed and Google can be your BFF while you research :)
Please remember to listen, educate yourself, and take action. Be intentional and don't just check a box.
xo, Stef
