It’s (past) time for change.
I’m all about keeping on + carrying along through a crisis, but it doesn’t feel right not to mention what is happening in the US right now. Black Americans are being murdered, plain and simple. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Sean Reed. Tony McDade. These are just a few names on a list miles long.
Racism has been an issue in the United States since its inception– systemic, conscious, unconscious, all of it. Things are at a fever pitch now; communities are boiling over with decades of suppressed rage, of taking it on the chin in fear of losing their lives. I’m angry– but I cannot even begin to understand what a Black man or woman feels, or what he/she goes through in everyday life. The situations they navigate with surgical precision are situations I have the privilege to not even think about because I am white.
This needs to change. I’m listening, learning, and donating.
If you are looking for places to start, here is a list of anti-racism resources that will help you be a better ally. Speaking of allyship, my friend Bria Jones has 3 ways you can start right now. I have donated to the Floyd family, the Taylor family, and Color of Change, which is the nation’s largest racial justice organization. You can find a list of places that need your financial support and your voice here and here.
All lives cannot matter until Black lives matter. It will take all of us to accomplish this. It’s not enough to not be a racist, we have to be anti-racist. And staying silent is remaining complicit.
If this post offends you, take a moment and ask yourself why. Then read this Vanity Fair article for a little background and perspective. The Black Lives Matter movement is not anti-white. It’s not political; it’s human rights.
I invite you to get comfortable being uncomfortable (this is so hard!) because it will be uncomfortable. Luvvie Ajayi gave a TED talk about this very topic in 2018 and it resonates now. Be an agent of change. Ask questions. Question yourself.
*Shoutout to Clay Banks, the photographer behind the lens of these powerful photos. See more of Clay’s work here.
I’m grappling with feelings of deep frustration related to the Canadian narrative of “systemic racism isn’t a problem here” when, in reality, we are every bit as much of a colonizing society as the US – we are a society built on stolen land, forced labour, the suppression of rights, and the aggressive racialization of BIPOC individuals. Racism is every bit as insidious and pervasive here as it is across the border and that reality needs to be acknowledged so we can start listening and amplifying BIPOC voices. Thankfully that message is starting to spread here and more and more people are speaking out about but there is so, so much more that needs to happen. We all need to keep listening, educating ourselves, and donating as a way to start.
Yes- I have heard this from my other Canadian friends, too. I read something while scrolling social this morning about racism being like a fine dust- you can’t see it in the air or even realize you’re breathing it in until the sunlight hits it- and then you see that you’re choking. This resonated with me- it’s everywhere but it’s so nuanced sometimes that those of us who are white don’t realize it. That’s our privilege. Time to bring the sunlight in!
I’ve been at a loss for words lately but I wanted to express my appreciation for this post. Much Love.
http://www.NancyUgo.com
Thank you so much for swinging by, Nancy. Sending you all the love!
Yes, Ashley. This. All of it. Agreed. Listening. Learning. Donating. Supporting.
Thank you for sharing all the resources for learning and helping.
xoxo Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
I have so much to learn- but we have to use our voices now, not just NOT participate in racism. We have to FIGHT it. 🙂 I’m so glad you stopped by, Bettye!
Whatever has happened is really shameful. I can’t believe that it’s happening in the 21st century. This is a time to think about what are we doing. I love this post.
Have a great day.
Love
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/
I think a lot of people in the US think that racism died in the 1960s- so untrue, which is beyond sad and unacceptable. We have to change things now. I’m so glad you shared your support!
Thank you for this post! I have had a hard time articulating my words lately and you said it beautifully. We need to listen, ask questions and learn.
Jill – Doused in Pink
I know what you mean- it took me a lot longer than normal to write this, because I just didn’t want to get it wrong- and I know that, because of my privilege, that can happen so easily. I want to be of service, not furthering a problem. I’m glad you found it helpful, Jill! 🙂
Hi Ashley,
Such an important post!! It’s so great to see how many people are being active against racism at the moment. Thanks for sharing the list of cases which need a financial support and for giving it a place on your blog.
have a great day gorgeous,
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de
The time for change is long overdue- but we have to use this momentum now to really fight systemic racism. Thank you so much for sharing your support!
I am also listening, learning, and donating as well. I am ready for the road ahead. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Black Lives Matter.
No ifs, no buts, no maybes.
Thanks for the in formative post and honestly, thanks for speaking up. It’s actually not that common in the blogger sphere.
Wishing you the best.
xxxxx
ooomaye.com
No ifs, buts, maybes- RIGHT. Exactly! Thank you for stopping by this space, Omaye!
Yes. This. Kudos for being so open and understanding. This is the path to peace, love and equality.
Peace, love, and equality is the goal, am I right?! It will take all of us to get there! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Why would this post offend anyone? I don’t get it. But very informative and timely post. Thank you for all the information on donations and organizations to seek further information. We truly are living in trying and scary times.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I hear you- for most of us, it’s not offensive. But for some, they want to chime in with, “But all lives matter.” And that’s where we gotta educate real quick. Because if a house is on fire, you put out THAT house with water. You don’t say “all houses matter” and water the whole neighborhood. (I saw a sketch depiction of this and thought it was such a great analogy for the “all lives matter” crowd.) I’m so glad to have your voice in this space!
I couldn’t agree with this post more. This past week has just been… hard, eye opening and just… one that we need to learn from.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
This week has been hard- and then I think about the typical Black experience and realize I know NOTHING about hard. Eye-opening is a great word for it- now that we see, we have to do something. Thank you so much for swinging by!
I have been mentally and emotionally exhausted this week, and cannot wrap my head around how there are still people who treat others differently because of the color of their skin. It’s sick, it’s sad, and it has got to stop. Thank you for sharing all the links above, I will share your post on my IG for people to have a one-stop-shop <3
You are too kind, lady- thanks for sharing! I think we’re in a very important time- as painful as all this is (and as much as many of us haven’t had to see it for most of our lives), it is what will spark REAL change. It just takes all of us. <3
I have learned so much in the past few weeks! I truly hope this movement makes a permanent change in our nation and across the world! This was such a well written post!
Thanks for swinging by, Laura. I’m with you- we have to take what we’ve learned and KEEP pushing, learning, and fighting. We cannot let this energy die down until there is true change.
It’s inspiring and uplifting how many people joined in on this cause, we can really make a difference if we come together <3
LackaDaisy
We NEED change, period the end- because the system is not fair, not even close. Thank you, babe!
It’s so good you are sharing these resources. We all need to learn and grow. Kindness and love go a long way in these times.
XOXO
Jodie
YES GIRL. This post is beautiful, poignant and NEEDED. Here’s to a better America for ALL OF US.
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
We have to use this momentum to break the system and rebuild something EQUAL! Thanks, sister!
I have been raised without perceiving any difference among human beings, the only difference I see concerns brains matters…either you got brains or you don’t. Racists belongs to the latter category. There is absolutely NO reason to discriminate based upon skin color or other features, this is the biggest shame for humanity. I am ashamed.
Ashamed is a good word for it- many of us are feeling the same, because we cannot understand the Black experience in the US (and in other parts of the world) and our privilege was we didn’t HAVE to. That definitely needs to change and we need to FIGHT to fix the system (or rebuild it, rather). Thank you for stopping by, babe!
It’s absolutely horrible with the situation in the US. I really hope that this time, people will be heard and change will take place. Also, that people will start to understand the meaning of structural racism. Xx
I really hope so- we have to use this momentum to change the system.
Thank you for sharing! I couldn’t have said it better. Even though my best friend is black, I don’t know enough so I’m educating, donating, signing petitions. Yesterday I even shared my best friends business. I’m trying to support her and all of the other black people as best as I can.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
I think making a conscious effort to discover Black influencers, businesses, and services and then share those with our audience is important. Many of us live very white-centered, just by (unfortunate) nature of the world, so we have to do what we can to diversify our experiences. Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer!
Thanks for this amazing post- I’m so sad to say that here in Canada we are no better at all. Its actually disgusting. We all have to listen, learn and act against it. Love this post- please come link it up over at my weekly Friday Link up- my readers need to read it too. Thanks xx
I think racism is an issue in so many places we didn’t realize- not just the odd racist person here and there, but true systemic racism that has very deep roots. We can’t let this momentum fade out without using it to really change things. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing this! This paragraph: “All lives cannot matter until Black lives matter…” really got to me. We all need to understand this. I really hope justice is served, and that the movement shakes ideas and gives everyone a thirst for truth and love. My prayers are with you.
I have hope that we can all use this momentum to get educated and fully invested in eradicating systemic racism. Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing, babe!
I think it is time to change your mind, systematic racism must come to an end, respect differences and not mistreat people for the color of their skin or their physical features, that makes us see ourselves as involved beings. thanks for shared your impressions.
Everyone must do their part, I agree! Educating ourselves, lending our voices, time, and money to the cause- it’s time for change.
I didn’t know how tragic events happen one after another. It’s just depressing to see how covid destroys so many innocent lives and now, this one. I really hope everyone take their stand because every life is precious and equal and no one should be killed just because of their color and appearance.
xoxo,
SHAIRA
Blog: http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
It’s definitely a tumultuous time- but time we must use for real change. Thank you so much for stopping by, Shaira!
I think the whole Australia is right behind you on this – we’re have our issues too but I am glad this topic is now out there and hopefully all this will provide an impetus for change. It’s well past time, as you say!
I have seen footage from Australia- it seems like the whole world is ready to address this issue head-on. GOOD! It’s what needs to be done! Thank you so much for stopping by!
It’s so awful that this even needs to be re-iterated – it should just be common sense that black lives matter. But this is such an important post and the message behind it is poignant.
Agreed- but it is so surprising and sad to me how many people do not get it. Whether they are blatantly ignoring it, or their privilege blocks them from truly understanding- it is something we must all work to fix.
This is very informative and timely Ashley, thank you so much for posting. I really hope justice gets served and that this time there really is a change!!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you so much for stopping by, Lovely! The time is definitely NOW- it’s so long overdue. Time for change!
Thank you for sharing this. It’s a very informative post. Have a nice day!
https://chicchedimamma.com/
Thank you, Sara!
I don’t see why talking about these issues would offend anyone. If so many people are feeling afraid, there must be a reason behind it.
I agree- if someone cannot admit that Black lives matter, there is a deeper issue, a deeper level of understanding that must be addressed. Education is the first step! Thank you, Ivana!
Thank you so much for posting this, Ashley! I think this is the first time in history when people all over the World united to actively fight racism and more importantly educate their children, reflect and learn how to become better allies xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
I think you’re right- the digital age does have it’s advantages, and seeing what is happening all over the world right now in terms of protest and reform is inspiring. It’ll take ALL of us to eradicate systemic racism, so seeing ALL of us worldwide joining up is such a good thing!
Just wanted to write and say thanks so much for this post!! 🙂
It’s heart-breaking to see what’s happening over there in the US.. and I’m fully aware that this kind of systemic racism is everywhere. Also over here, in the Netherlands!!
I hope real change will come from this tragic events!!
Thanks again!!
Racism is everywhere, definitely- and it’s time that we change that. Stepping up our game and raising our voices not just when faced with blatant, aggressive racism, but when we see microaggressions or when we notice bias/prejudice in our close circles of friends and family. I’m so thankful you stopped by, Natassia!
Totally agree with this post!
Thank you, Shauna! 🙂
Thank you so much for this post!
Thanks, Aidan!
I’d like to express my deepest sympathy for the USA and therefore I feel sad and offer sincere condolences during this difficult time :/.
Very interesting post! 🙏🙏🙏🖤🖤🖤 Thanks for sharing! 🖤🖤🖤
Thanks, Carolina!
Loved to read this post. I am happy to see that the world stands up for a topic that needed to be addressed!
lots of love, Miri
http://www.meetmiri.com
Thank you, Miri! I’m so glad you swung by this space. It is sad that it’s taken the US this long to realize just HOW broken the system is- there have been so many of us living in privilege; we didn’t understand- well, there’s zero excuse for ignorance now. We gotta act! 🙂
As a Black woman I thank you Ashley for this post, I truly appreciate that you shared your thoughts on this.
it is everyone against racism and all together we can make change happens for a better World.
Stay Safe,
Sonia
http://www.soniaaicha.com
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sonia! It will take all of us to upend a system that has worked against the Black community for far too long. Stay well!
it is a very important post to make and share. Racism is horrible and should STOP
YES! It’s time for real change!
Black lives are needed. Black lives are important. Black lives are beloved. Black lives matter!
Amen to this!
These are good links to share, thanks for sharing! This movement and the senseless deaths that have spurred it has made me see how ignorant I really was to a lot of it – I’m thankful for my friends suggesting ways I can help both them directly and the movement, and I know now it’s not enough to not be racist. As you said we need to be anti-racist and work harder to let black voices be heard!
I’m in total agreement- my privilege allowed me to stay ignorant of many of these things for too long. And now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and help!
YESSSSSSS!! I’m glad and sad that people finally realized racism exists. I’m still learning and educating myself about the black community, but even I have experience racism. I hope this movement creates change and people’s perspective on racism.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I am thankful for this opportunity to learn- but at the cost of so many innocent lives? It’s disgusting and sad this is where we are as a nation- but with all this momentum, we can change! That’s what I’m holding onto- that we can be better.
It’s shocking that we need to say that. It should be obvious. Black lives matter!!
It really is- and it’s sad that we haven’t reformed the system before. Time for change!
It is a wonderfully powerful and scary time to be alive. We are making history. Over the weekend we sat down with our eldest and had a talk with him. Being a POC though not black our kids have had concerns about why they are brown, they can never really find a crayon that can portray them accurately. So it is wonderful to see everyone coming together. It’s about time. The national bailout org is also a great place to donate.
Thank you so much for writing, babe! I can imagine these times are sparking some much-needed conversations at dinner tables all around the world- that’s so good! It’s what we need to change, we need to talk about it, address it, learn about it, and then ACT. 🙂
You are spot on with this post, Ashley! I think it’s wonderful that you shared this post, and agree with you!
Make Life Marvelous
I’m so glad you stopped by, Ashley! I figured that as I learn, sharing the resources I’ve come across that others have put together makes sense. Education and information is where it starts, right? 🙂
This post was so well said my friend. We are feeling so many things, especially outrage! Thank you for getting this out when words are hard. I’ve been immersed in research and beg for change. Let’s hope good and more kindness and compassion has risen from this.
It’s such a tough time- and many of us are seeing that it’s been a tough time for GENERATIONS of Black Americans. It’s so sad- and unfair. UNJUST. You’re right on track- we have to research, keep ourselves informed, learn to become the type of allies the Black community needs. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Oh thanks you for sharing this.
I really hope this world is starting to change in a better way. Racism should not still be a thing in 2020. I really struggle to express myself about it and you said it so well in your article.
I just can’t understand people who think they’re superior than other just because of their skin’s color.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
I hope so, too- it would be such a shame for this momentum to not end in real change. We have to act now! Thank you for stopping by, Margot!
Agreed!
Stay safe ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
It’s good to see how it brought everything came together and change is happening!
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
It’s been very difficult to process everything lately. It’s heartbreaking what’s goingin the world. Thank you for writing this post and bringing awareness.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Sembra che la storia non finisca mai.
Non ho mai visto un paese più razzista degli Stati Uniti, nonostante l’alto numero di etnie.
In Italia non siamo per la totale uguaglianza. Il colore della pelle non ci rende diverse, siamo tutti uguali.
http://www.ellagai.com
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