Black Lives Matter

I have always lived in New England; I was born and raised here. I was taught racism and white supremacy, in what felt like subtle and non-threatening ways by various white people in my life. It all seemed “normal” to me, because it is supposed to. I never wanted to think of myself, or the people I grew up with and loved, as racist. I didn’t understand then how pervasive racism is, and that all along I had the privilege to be willfully ignorant to its presence around me.

With time, difficult conversations, education, and self-reflection I can recognize the racism in myself; and I will be better, and do better. I listened to a young boy today, 8 years-old, talk about his fear of growing up; scared for when his cuteness will be traded in for hate. This was a stark reminder that I would not want to be treated the same way that my Black and Brown siblings are every single day. Racism still very much exists and thrives, especially in our progressive state — we need to stop turning away from this fact.

I do not want to contribute to or strengthen a system where inequality is omnipresent, built up from its roots in colonialism and continued by each passing generation. This must be the generation that puts an end to this pandemic of hate, violence, and murder.

Black Lives Matter.
Black Futures Matter.
Black Healing Matters.

My hope for myself, and other white people, is to step into action and deconstruct white supremacy every single day. Learn about racism and its history. Talk about racism. Fight for justice. Tell our governor, state legislators, city councilors, and neighbors that we will not tolerate racism, no matter how insidious it may seem. Be vulnerable. And know that this work is not over until true abolition is achieved.

I pledge to continue to learn and be better, and to contribute to equity and justice.
Because Black Lives Matter.