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A few thoughts to create effective change in our society, neighborhoods, communities, and country. Black lives matter and it's important to educate ourselves, take care of ourselves, and support and build our communities.

Racism isn’t a black problem that white people need to empathize with. It’s a white problem that needs to be fixed. Look at these institutions and systems and how they are set up. Look at who holds power.

We need to have conversations with textbook companies and educational systems because a paragraph on black history and 28 days out of the year — ain’t it. There are systems in place to marginalize and at this point, it's truly about educating ourselves.

To my white counterparts and friends who have reached out to say, "what can I do?" Know that I am more than happy to point you in the right direction but "y'all got the same Google I got". It's time for you all to do the work. We've been working since day one and though we're moving full steam ahead — we're tired. Tired of the same conversations, fights, police brutality, knees on our necks, racial slurs being painted on buildings where we live, nooses (both literal and figurative), and so many more examples that I shouldn't have to name.  

Dr. Bernice King calls it "the miseducation of white people." Her father, Dr. Martin Luther King said, ”Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Do the work.

To my black friends, family, and loved ones — find a way to smile and laugh — belly laugh —  during this process because there’s a lot to cry about and be mad about. Please also remember to pace yourself. If you don’t pace yourself, you’ll lose yourself. This is a marathon. "Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation." - Coretta Scott King

To everyone, give yourself some grace. Yes, speak up and don’t be silent. But don’t feel like it's the end of the world if you missed an update. You don't have to be plugged in all the time. Be genuine, connected, and tuned in to the moments that are happening but give yourself time to breathe, process, educate yourself, and then, raise your voice in YOUR best way. Stay in your lane and don’t feel obligated to do what someone else does.

Lastly, we cannot afford to fumble the ball. This is what happens when we're all over the place and right now, we have to come together and merge our efforts to create EFFECTIVE and LASTING change.

In many ways, we are separated in our approaches. I am concerned about the so many efforts and movements that are taking place. I believe that it dilutes our strength to continue starting new efforts. Work together. If we're concerned, about our names being attached to starting or leading a movement, then we must realign and refocus on our WHY. Ask yourself, how do we coordinate and move together? Unity and alignment with infrastructure is necessary. Remember the reason, focus on the goal — lasting systemic change, equality, inclusion, etc.

If there's a different set of demands per protest or movement, how can we effectively strategize, implement, identify resources, and create effective change? If we don't focus, we're going to miss this moment! WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS THIS MOMENT. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FUMBLE THE BALL.