Black Lives Matter
I would have hoped that in 2014 we wouldn’t need to say this. But, with the events that have followed the grand jury’s decision to not indict Darren Wilson, I’m convinced, as are so many others, that we do need to say it.
We need to say it loudly.
We need to say it fearlessly.
We need to say it again and again and again.
And who is “we?” All of us who believe that the United States could be a more inclusive and less brutal society than it is today—those of us who believe in a more just world.
But there’s another “we” in this equation. I mean people like me. I’m a white male. I grew up in the suburbs. I have a master’s degree. I’m a musician, and I also work in the tech industry. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve never been terribly outspoken about issues of race.
Its important that I say what I feel about this because, as a member of those groups that I described above, other people like me might assume that I’m just fine with the way things are because I benefit from the status quo. And that’s not ok.
I’m not great at arguing. I’m not great at researching a collection of facts to back up my opinion. Hell, I’m not even very good at having an opinion in most cases.
But, I can say that despite all those things, I do believe that we, and I mean all Americans of every color, need to push our leaders and each other to look closely at what’s happening between police departments and communities of color and make changes for the better. We can do better, and we will if each one of us accepts that there is a problem.
Very beautifully said, my friend! I’m glad you spoke out, you’re eloquent and thoughtful, and more people to need to hear opinions like this.
Thanks Shenoa!
Very inspiring for me as a black guy. Most of us believe white people do not have hearts to care about such matters, i dont, i am south african and race is a HUGE issue in my country since South Africa is one African Country with more white people than any other African County, I have very close white friends and as an artists i have been lucky to travel a bit, i have learnt that there is a countless number of white people with great hearts and very open minds. Thanx for this, i was just online searching for methods of writting a good artist’s biography and i bumped into these inspiring words, thanx for making my day!
Thami, thanks so much for reading, and I’m very gratified that you are inspired by these words. I agree with you, there are many, many white people all over the world who want to see a more just society emerge. I’m certainly one of them. But, I will also say that this post is just a tiny gesture, and the tireless work that organizers are doing all over the world is what’s truly inspiring. But, I’m very glad to offer them, as a white person that wants to be an ally to black and brown people who continue to struggle against racism. Thanks so much for reading, and for sharing your thoughts! And good luck with your art and your artist bio!