Silence is not the Answer

Kneeling 4 Justice in Honor of George Floyd - City Hall, San Francisco 2020

I haven’t sent out a newsletter in the last two weeks because I didn't know what to say. Now is not the time to write about the benefits of vitamin B6 or my new smoothie recipe. There are many more pressing matters occurring and I understand that it is important and necessary for me to speak up.

Over the last few months as the world has slowed down a bit — it has opened my eyes on another level to the views of others around me. Most recently, to hear more discussion about the stores and buildings being broken into than about the black individuals who have been brutality killed has been nauseating. We should not be comparing property to people, especially in a world where these very people have been treated like property just because of the color of their skin. Additionally, the lack of leadership and displays of white supremacy have made it clear that it's time to for me to re-evaluate. I have kept quiet in the past, because it was easier to stay silent than to have those uncomfortable conversations, but this week, I have learned that my silence is contributing to the problem. I have also been afraid to speak up about politics and racism because I feel so uneducated. It can no longer be an excuse. I have access to resources and people that I should be learning from and standing with, in order to make the change I wish to see. This week, I have tried to participate more by joining peaceful protests, speaking up on social media and with friends/family, donating to funds, signing petitions, and most importantly, listening. Unlearning and re-learning are my first steps to helping fix this broken country.

Racism has never gone away, but it is often ignored. Last month, I was reading Untamed and Talking to Strangers, both of which address current day racism and police brutality. Last week, I watched Little Fires Everywhere and started rewatching Friday Night Lights which both address the integration of schools and cities. Even though racism is present, much of which I am exposed to as a white person, is written or shared by other white people and doesn't give us an accurate reality of racism. Why as a nation does it take horrific and brutal stories like those of Rodney King, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Ahmed Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd to capture our attention and empathy?

To be completely transparent with you, it makes me uneasy when people are so “pro-United States” I have and continue to be grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given here but can’t say I have ever felt truly “proud” of this country because of the on-going discrimination. We can do better. It has been clear that my opportunities are not because I live in the U.S. - but because of my white privilege. I am however, thankful to be in a city where so many of my mentors and peers with larger platforms do share my views. I have learned so much from them these past few weeks and hope to pass on that knowledge.

I am not an expert on racism nor do I believe that I am saying all the right things -- but I do know that action is better than silence. As Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." So for now, here are the steps that I am taking and hope you will join me in addressing racism in our country.

1. Speak up. With your family, friends, and children. Have the hard and uncomfortable conversations. Speak up on social media. Let people know where you stand - silence can no longer be an option. If someone makes a comment that you consider to be racist or prejudice don't stand for it - say something. It is your duty.

2. Show support. Attend protests, sign up for online forums. Check your local events to see what is going on in your city. In San Francisco, Eventbrite, Thrillist, and SFfunCheap are all good places to check for virtual and in person events/series. Support black owned businesses. Find local listing like these restaurants in NY, SF, and LA.

3. Educate yourself. Follow accounts on social media, read & ask questions about anti-racism. @blklivesmatter @naacp @showingupforracialjustice @civilrightsorg @reclaimtheblock @kayrichae @rachel.cargie @cleowade are a few good resources. It's also okay to unfollow accounts that are not speaking up or displaying their normal content as more important than having these tough conversations. Read about civil rights leaders. Start a book club with books like these: Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey  So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo 

4. Donate & Sign Petitions. Donations: Black Lives Matter. George Floyd Memorial Fund. Black Visions Collective. Reclaim The Block. Unicorn Riot. Local Bail Funds. Minnesota Freedom Fund. Campaign Zero. ACLU. NAACP. Petitions: Color of Change: Ensure the officers involved in Floyd’s death are brought to justice. Sign here. White House Petition. Sign here. Justice For George Floyd. Sign here. Justice For Breonna Taylor. Sign here. Justice for Ahmaud Arbery. Sign here. 15% Pledge. Sign here.

5. Vote. Are you registered? Check here. Federal elections are this November and local elections happen throughout the year. Stay updated here.

If you have any questions or want to connect further on this topic feel free to reach out @a_wholistic_life or hayley@awholisticlife.co