I've spent some time thinking about what I want to say. I overwhelmed and freaked myself out trying to think of all the right things. I was afraid to post something because I felt like nothing I said would be right enough, be good enough, be helpful or supportive enough. I've done my best. I stopped, I listened, and I learned from my black and brown friends. It has been invaluable - what *I* thought about posting was nowhere near what they need to see. Here is what I learned from those people I respect and love.
1. Don't use the BLM hashtag for #blackouttuesday - it blocks resources with black squares. Information is critical.
2. Donate and share if you can, and if you can't donate, sharing is still helpful. Not everyone is able to help in the same way, so help in the way you can. I know this is not all encompassing, but it's a start.
Black Lives Matter
It's Nice That
3. Compassion, kind words, real change, outreach. These don't cost a damn thing. Throw kindness around like confetti.
4. Listen. Learn. Educate yourself. We have all made mistakes and we can all learn and grow and improve and better ourselves. Don't be afraid to apologize and don't be afraid to do better, be better.
5. Be careful and stay as safe as you can. Look out for yourself and for others.
I will not be silent and complicit.
If you choose to unfollow me, that's fine. You don't need to announce your departure. Please think about why my posting this upsets you enough to want to unfollow.
If you would like to share your experiences, things you have learned, resources, or just share some kindness in the comments, please do so. Please be respectful of others and please please please be kind.
#blacklivesmatter
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