115 known black men have been killed by police in the United States since January 1, 2016.
115 human beings slaughtered in 189 days.
I feel so many things watching these videos and reading these stories that flood my social media feeds almost daily. I feel angry, I feel sad, and I feel helpless. I feel small, because I feel like I can't possibly do anything to help this horrible situation. I feel angry because those who are in the position to take action and DO something about these shootings and unnecessary killings are doing the exact opposite. They're sitting on their asses while families like Alton's and Philando's are BREAKING. I feel so helpless. And I feel broken.
115 human beings slaughtered in 189 days.
I feel so many things watching these videos and reading these stories that flood my social media feeds almost daily. I feel angry, I feel sad, and I feel helpless. I feel small, because I feel like I can't possibly do anything to help this horrible situation. I feel angry because those who are in the position to take action and DO something about these shootings and unnecessary killings are doing the exact opposite. They're sitting on their asses while families like Alton's and Philando's are BREAKING. I feel so helpless. And I feel broken.
I'm working really hard to be empathetic, but I realize that I cannot possibly begin to understand how the black community is feeling right now. All I can do is pray, and love, and continue to show my support. But one thing I refuse to do is remain silent. I refuse to sit back and watch as these horrifying injustices are done to my friends and family - people I absolutely adore and care about so much. I value their lives and look forward to their future contributions to society. I don't want them to become hashtags. I want them to be afforded the opportunity to live to impact the world.
But again, this isn't about me. Because I'm white. And that means I'm safe.
People who say racism isn't alive and well in America are some of the most ignorant people alive. Those 115 men are not dead because they broke the law, they're dead because of hate. Ignorance isn't bliss, it's STUPID and it makes YOU look stupid when you choose to ignore something that is devastating so many lives. SO. Many. Lives.
SAY THEIR NAMES.
SEE THEIR FACES.
Read their stories.
And realize the bigger picture.
And mourn them.
And cry.
And love.
And love.
And love.
And love.
And love.
Because right now, that's one of the most important things to remember to do.
We're stronger together. Stay strong.
#AltonSterling #FalconHeightsShooting #PhilandoCastile
But again, this isn't about me. Because I'm white. And that means I'm safe.
People who say racism isn't alive and well in America are some of the most ignorant people alive. Those 115 men are not dead because they broke the law, they're dead because of hate. Ignorance isn't bliss, it's STUPID and it makes YOU look stupid when you choose to ignore something that is devastating so many lives. SO. Many. Lives.
SAY THEIR NAMES.
SEE THEIR FACES.
Read their stories.
And realize the bigger picture.
And mourn them.
And cry.
And love.
And love.
And love.
And love.
And love.
Because right now, that's one of the most important things to remember to do.
We're stronger together. Stay strong.
#AltonSterling #FalconHeightsShooting #PhilandoCastile
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