Black Lives Matter

I am aware that white privilege has given me many opportunities that so many others have not been afforded.  I know I am not fully aware of all of my blind spots, so I continue to strive to have these revealed to me no matter how painful it may be. I will never experience the same pain that black people face today, and have throughout our history; though, I hope that as I continue to gain insight, I may be a part of forging a better path for everyone. 

I am aware of my white guilt and how I sometimes let this guilt disable me, and sometimes I make room for it motivate me.  I wish I could say it was ALWAYS the latter.  I am empowered when I can see my white guilt for what it is, (a history I am ashamed of, disgust of what black people endure at the hands of white authority/power, mistakes I or those around me make that allow this oppression to continue, silence that leads to unlawful death) then I find impulse for change.  I will always be a work in process as I learn more and more about the subtle forms of oppression that I too may be a part of without my knowledge. The solution is curiosity, education, taking action daily, and showing compassion to all mankind through service and kindness.

We are one people! Regrettably, we all move through a system of inequity based on race, gender, sexual identity and/or orientation, ability,  beliefs and so on.  When one of us is hurting, we are all hurting. I am encouraged to see this movement strengthen. Even during this challenging time of Covid19, it is powerful to see people are making change. 

Black and other minority communities are affected at higher rates by this pandemic due to the inequalities that motor this system. Many who are driven to protest find themselves struggling with what role to play during this health crisis. It can feel overwhelming and discouraging to chose between fighting racial inequity and protecting the health of our community. I believe that we all can do both. It is important to know yourself first. 

If you plan to attend a Protest:

What am I comfortable/uncomfortable with? Do I have any symptoms of Covid19, or have I possibly been exposed to others who may be carriers (many people show no signs of illness)? If I attend, what measures can I take to protect myself and others around me (health, physical safety)? What measures can I take after the protest to protect my family, coworkers neighbors ect? Now that more testing is available, get tested before and after the protest if you decide to attend. 

Here are a couple links to explore if you plan to attend a protest:

- https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/06/05/870306050/coronavirus-faqs-how-to-stay-safe-while-protesting-when-to-go-out-after-recovery

- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/how-to-attend-george-floyd-protests-safely.html

If you do not plan on attending a protest what can you do:

   *Know your skills and talents and use them to educate your own community and to strengthen and bridge communities 

   *Support people who face various disadvantages by donating locally or globally:

Loveland Foundation (for Black girls and women) 

Open Doors of Asheville (to overcome multigenerational poverty for all children)

Black Lives Matter

The Color of Asheville

NAACP Education and Legal Defense 

   *Support Black/Minority Owned businesses

   *If you are white educate yourself;
         Learn about White Privilege: 
                      https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf 
         Why diversity benefits everyone: 
                       https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_diversity_makes_us_smarter
                       https://www.npr.org/2019/01/24/687707404/creative-differences-the-benefits-of-reaching-out-to-people-unlike-ourselves

   *Hang a banner in your window/porch

   *Small acts of kindness to everyone, everyday

   *Speak up 

   *Provide a service/volunteer 

   *Write to your Congress Members

   *Vote 

   *Run for office 
   *Step out of your comfort zone

   *Do a search for agencies and projects who are trying to make the difference you want to see and get involved

   *Support those who stand for equality 

This list is only a starting point and a small drop in the bucket. I hope that many more ideas will be created and actualized! We all have to make the difference if we want a more peaceful world.