ASMR| Doing Your Nails| Personal Attention

These recent weeks I’ve been reflecting inward and asking myself how I can EMPOWER BLACK LIVES.
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives Matter.
I am not black, but I see you and I hear you.
I stand in solidarity with black lives and recognize my own privileges, and will fight for theirs by holding my local officials accountable and demanding reform.
We have a responsibility to STAND UP.
There is enough literature I’m leaving down below for ways to get involved, to educate, donate, advocate, etc.
I’m waking up to realizing I HAVE NOT BEEN THE ally/ advocate I thought I was.
*(I’m practicing allyship.)*
It wasn’t enough to just “not be racist”.
If you are not anti-racist, you’re part of the problem.
This is systemic!
When we don’t take a stand against oppression, when we stay silent inside our privileged comfort zones... we become enablers.
We become a link in the systemic chain when we choose neutrality.”
WE MUST STAND UP.
Systemic racism takes black community’s mental health, education, jobs, LIVES… THIS is NOT equal.
I’m open to correction, I’m teachable.
I’m listening.

*THIS VIDEO was filmed over a week ago, and I know during this time so many just need a moments rest of sleep and a place to just be and come as you are.
*due to health issues I haven’t uploaded a video actively using my voice/ platform to speak out against racial injustices, but tomorrow I’ll have that video out and all earnings from that video will be donated to black lives matter organization.

Anti-Racism books:
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
Mismatch: How Inclusive Shapes Design by Kat Homes
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Movies/ Documentaries to watch to educate yourself about Racism:
“13th”
“The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson”
“Selma”
“Blacks Brittanica”

Nonprofit Organizations to consider donating towards and to further educate yourself:
National Center for Black Equity
The LoveLand Foundation
Equal Justice Initiative