I am embarrassed to be white. I am embarrassed to be an American. And I feel stuck. The brutal murder of George Floyd stunned me. But it shouldn’t have. Racism has always been a part of our country.
But what can I do? If I post on Instagram #blacklivesmatter, it won’t change other people’s behavior. If I put a yard sign in our yard, it won’t change other people’s behavior. I can only control my thoughts and beliefs and teach my children to accept all. But how to end racism? It feels too hard to even think about.
I saw these 2 photos on social media today. The White House when Obama was President, and the White House this week. Such a stark contrast.
And then the husband sent me a text saying Obama was hosting a Town Hall meeting. I could feel myself relaxing and having hope again as I listened to his words about what we can do to make change happen. I loved this quote the most…
“I’ve been hearing a little bit of chatter… voting vs. protest. Politics and participation versus civil disobedience and direct action,” Obama said. “This is not an either or. This is a both and. To bring about real change, we both have to highlight a problem and make people in power uncomfortable, but we also have to translate that into practical solutions and laws that can be implemented.”
Having hope again feels good. And in the Town Hall meeting very specific recommendations were given with follow up timelines. And the reminder to VOTE. Thanks Barak Obama. The world might not end after all.