Friends – I took a social media break with my son (he needed one too). The timing was actually good to give me some separation as all that has happened over the last 2 weeks. I do however, want to share where I stand on what’s going on.
In my opinion, all of this is about the value of a human life wrapped in black and brown skin. Years ago (not that long ago) we were only allowed to be 3/5 of a person by law (google it) and we’ve never caught up.
I’ve known my husband since we were 18 and 19 years old and he’s been pulled over by police more times than I can count… the boys have seen it too… because he met the description of a black man driving a nice car (by the way, his dad was a career police officer until he passed). I was on speaker during one stop and was scared beyond belief as he was being yelled at, berated and threatened…all while responding with “yes and no sir”. I was praying “please don’t make him get out of the car’ over and over again.
My 19 year old has already been profiled several times…even here at our local mall and we are having to continue these discussions with both of them.
How many of you have to tell your kids that when (and yes, it is when) they are pulled over, the mission and goal is to make it home alive and then we will deal with whatever we have to deal with?. Or have a letter in the vehicle your child is driving that states he has permission to drive it?
And we are just one family. We often have friends who say “Not You!”, “You are such good people” etc. The fact is, it doesn’t matter to those who don’t know us or care.
- I hope you now know what is meant by Black Lives Matter
- This is about how the lives of my 2 sons and husband and myself matter as whole people, when historically we haven’t always mattered
- Either you believe that racism exists and is wrong or you don’t
- This is not a white vs black, it’s everyone vs racists and racism
- Reform is needed and in the history of the US, change has often come from peaceful protest and civil unrest
I know many people say you can be friends and have differing opinions and I agree, but not on racism. If we differ on this fundamental issue, then you don’t value my family’s lives and we can’tbe friends.As I said to a friend, if you have questions, I am happy to be a sounding board and provide resources.
But I won’t debate systematic racism or its impact.
❤️ So, that’s my truth, in love
alllivesmatterwhenblacklivesmatter
