On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was brutally killed by a Minneapolis police officer. The whole world has felt his pain, and the horrific circumstances that it happened under have forever changed our society. I hope.  I’ve been pretty quiet about this incident because, truth be told, I didn’t know what to say. Like many others, I posted a black square on my social media and stopped posting content as a sign of solidarity for our community so that the voices of those suffering and fighting could be seen and heard without filters. It’s time that we come together to create change that lasts.

It’s been a couple of weeks since the tragic incident, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. I hope you’ve had time to contemplate your thoughts, too, and to use your voice in whatever way you can to support this fight against racial injustice and police brutality. 

This is an emotional subject. If you listen to the podcast I released on the same topic, you’ll hear that I’ve left it raw and unedited. A small attempt to show that the discomfort, pain, and empathy surrounding the conversation should not be silenced. 

We should not quieten our voices or our discomfort.

The Black community should not quiet their voice, and they should not be the only voice echoing Floyd’s pain. 

Racial Injustice is Rife

I came to the USA over 30 years ago, searching for an inclusive community with a diverse background. A melting pot of cultures. I was raised in Germany, and in all honesty, there was almost no racial diversity at all. 

The first Black person I ever met was my dad’s wife-to-be, whom he met on a trip to Kenya. Looking back on it now, I can identify the distrust and suspicion that she was treated with by the community simply because of the color of her skin and their unfamiliarity with it. 

I thought America would be different. 

Come Together To Create Change

And to a degree, it is. But clearly, it is not different enough. Having the systemic racism exposed during this tragedy has called to light a lot of things that we, as white people, don’t even notice to be happening. I found this out during my recent research:

• In New York City, 88% of police stops in 2018 involved Black and Latinx people, while 10% involved white people. (Of those stops, 70% were completely innocent.).
• Black Americans and white Americans use drugs at similar rates, but Black Americans are 6 times more likely to be arrested for it. 
• On average, Black men in the US receive sentences that are 19.1% longer than those of white men convicted for the same crimes. 

It’s clear to see that there is a problem at the root of the system. In addition to this, the problem extends to all social and economic issues, with racial inequality suffered in healthcare, education, employment, and more. 

We cannot change history, but we can make history

Understandably, the world is outraged at the death of George Floyd. But more than that, we are outraged that in 2020, in times unmatched for travel, mixing with others of different colors, backgrounds, and beliefs, and unmatched for opportunity, these opportunities are not equally extended to all of our brothers and sisters. 

So what can we do to change this? Whilst we cannot change history, we can make history. We can educate ourselves on the struggles faced by people of color, and we can start making changes right now that prevent them from continuing in the future. 

It’s time to come together as a community to correct this injustice once and for all. 

I don’t claim to be clued up on the ins and outs of racial injustice and that’s something that I’m trying to change. To know better is to do better. Like a lot of you have expressed, I’m ashamed that it has taken such a tragic incident for me to really look at my position of privilege and take action to be more inclusive. 

Here’s what I’ve been doing during the social blackout to have a more positive impact on racial equality and social justice: 

1. I got stuck into some Netflix shows to help me connect with the situation and I watched “When They See Us” and “13th” by Ava DuVernay
2. I am reading How To Be An Antiracist by Ibrahim X. Kendi.
3. I donated what I could afford to the Equal Justice Initiative to support their fight against mass incarceration and racial and economic injustice. 
4. I assessed the diversity and inclusivity of my podcast and decided it could do better. I’m actively looking for and contacting African American women to be on the show.

 

 

NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE

Despite still being in the midst of COVID-19, the world has rallied together to send a clear message to those perpetuating racial injustice. 

We will not stand for it any longer.

Protests have taken place all over the world, communities have banded together, and wrongs are being righted. This is the time for action. This is the time to unite, as equals, and create change.

I know that sounds scary. It’s scary for me too. It’s easy to overlook the difference that you, as one single individual person, can make. But let me tell you, you can make a difference. 

Here are some ways that you can get started in better understanding this important cause and proactively create a more equal, fair, and inclusive society:

Stop & Think

Ignorance is not bliss any longer. We are aware of the problem. So stop and think what is stopping you from taking action against that problem? How do you feel about it all? What, specifically, is causing you to feel that way? Understanding the situation will better equip you to take proactive steps to fix it. 

Call your friends

Whether they are African-American, Black, LatinX, or People of Color, your friends are suffering right now. This is a hard and emotional time. Ask them how you can support them both personally and on a bigger scale. Let them speak for themselves knowing that their voice will be heard.

Speak Up when you see injustice

Squash down your fear and call out unacceptable behavior. Those suffering injustices are more scared and angry than you and I are. Stand up for people who need your support and do not turn a blind eye. 

Support Causes

Massive causes are set up to fight racial and economic injustice.  A quick search will show you the right cause to put your money and/or time where it’s most productive in this fight. 

You might consider donating to Black Lives Matter organisation or one of the many bail funds set up to help US protesters.

Educate Yourself

The internet is currently overflowing with recommended reading lists, documentaries to watch, businesses to support. You can also find history museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in Washington, where you can find out more about the events that have unfolded over time. 

Whatever action you choose to take, know that it is a small step that, when taken as part of a strong and determined community, can make a big change. 

How are you showing up for our global community? I’d love to know if you have any other ideas or resources. Please share them in the comments!