Black Lives Matter
For centuries, the Black community has endured many arduous acts of systemic oppression, cruelty, and discrimination.
Today marks one week since the murder of George Floyd by the hands and knees of police officers. The harrowing video of the disturbing incident that occurred left us in tears of anger & disgust. However, so have the tragic deaths of many other innocent lives; both the ones we’ve heard of and the countless others we haven’t. Police brutality is but one of many terrible injustices that befall people of color.
We stand with the Black community and honor the lives of many who died wrongful deaths. We want you to know that we see you, hear you, and support you.
When you see so many people who have a problem with rioting rather than having a problem with the loss of innocent lives, it speaks volumes about how they fundamentally ignore these issues. You've also seen people complain and question why others don't just continue non-violent protests. While many factors contribute to these events, one theme is consistent across all protests that turn violent. Nobody listens to peaceful ones.
We live in a society where many tend to value power and property over human life. It's a terrible product of how our society was formed on the ideas of inequality. It is also perpetuated by those who pretend to lead and those who choose to hate and divide. This was not, is not and will never be okay.
How can we be a united country when "the land of the free" doesn't apply to so many human beings? How many more innocent lives need to be taken before we treat everyone with equality? How many more vicious cycles before enough is enough?
We need to all do our part to make this world a better place and step up. Let’s grow more socially conscious and educate ourselves while also acknowledging our privilege. It is on each of us to take action, unlearn biases, question our attitudes, and do what is right now and every single day.
To you, our very diverse, beautiful, and strong community, we are here for you. #BlackLivesMatter
To learn more and help the cause, check out the following:
