Like millions of people all across our country, I was horrified to see yet another incident of a human life being taken -- horrifically, brazenly, and without regard of value.
The events in Minnesota are just the latest to lay bare the deep grief, frustration, and abyss of suffering African Americans have endured for far too long in our country. Our hearts are with all those who are feeling this singular sense of pain.
This story is one we hear of and see so often. Too many Americans live every day in fear that something similar will happen to them; too many parents must warn their kids, especially their sons, of the dangers they might face simply because of the color of their skin.
Now is the time for allies to speak out -- we won’t, and we can’t, stand by as black lives are deemed expendable. Silence is not an option.
We demand justice and real change. We demand accountability. We demand appropriate consequences. We demand change to our system to end discrimination, bias, and racist practices.
If you want to help, but are unsure of what you can do: donate to organizations helping victims of injustice and fighting against racism, speak out on social media, talk to your kids and family about what is happening, call your elected officials, commit to showing up at the ballot box. Most of all listen, listen to those who know and have experienced the struggle -- a struggle others can empathize with but cannot fully comprehend -- and work with them. Let them have the space to grieve and then let them lead us in this hard, important work.
The path ahead of us is long, but we all must come together and fight alongside each other until this country truly lives up to its greatest ideal: that all people are created equal.
May George Floyd rest in peace. And may we know justice in his memory.
Sincerely,
Hiral
