My Personal Statement to BLACK LIVES MATTER.

*I do not own the displayed image/artwork.*

I fully support the Black Lives Matter Movement and the fight to end ALL of the injustices that the Black Community has been forced to endure day by day.

In school there is not enough emphasis on the fact that we live in a damaged culture. We are taught that we live in an unfair society, but most of the time we are expected to just follow "The System."At the end of the day, the terms white privilege, racism, and any form of discrimination are its master manipulated products. We were not taught to fight against what was settled before us to be classified as “normative”and “ideal.”

Constantly disapproving the system will not make a difference. However redesigning social systems will. We need to acknowledge the faults, own up to the wrongs, and get rid of our silences, denials and feeing uncomfortable. The "majority" continues to be oblivious to their advantages by continuing to engrave injustices in our culture. What we need is to become more aware and more educated. With the resources, technology, and conversations that we are having today, it is possible to get the differences that we want to see happen if we continue to try and not lose focus.

#BLACKLIVESMATTER is extremely significant and essential. Although this movement has been around for a while, I think that everyone needs to be involved in this more than ever; especially in today's time. We need to be the generation that fully stands our ground and makes an actual difference for issues revolving around black people that shamefully keep resurfacing into the 21st century. (READ THAT STATEMENT AGAIN).

That "All Lives Matter" talk, REPLACE IT WITH THIS:

This is the time for "ALL lives" to get involved in Black Lives Matter.

Brush up on your history because America was built on the backs of our dear AFRICAN AMERICANS through their blood, sweat, and tears. Open yourself up to clearly see why it is the Black Community that needs us, who need everyone's support.

THOUGHTS POSSIBLY RUNNING THROUGH YOUR HEAD:

1. "WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SUPPORT?"

Things that I have been doing:

• Doing my own research.

• Listening more.

• Opening up the conversation about Black Lives Matter and social injustices in my household to my family members.

• Reaching out to my close friends who are black or non-black asking them how they feel about current events, expressing my support, and showing my empathies.

• Signing petitions.

• Checking out resources.

2. "I CARE ABOUT THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT BUT DOES MY VOICE EVEN MATTER?"

Yes it does! If there is any part of you that feels something in your heart about the injustices taken out on our black brothers and sisters, then however you want to express yourself to show and bring justice, MATTERS. Do something.

3. "HOW SHOULD I UPHOLD MY ATTITUDE ABOUT THE WHOLE SITUATION?"

Express yourself kindly and peacefully. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but do not be one to shade with negative connotations. Emotions are intense right now for good reason, but shaming, judging, making assumptions or displaying passive-aggressiveness do not and will not help.

Keep an open-mind to other's thoughts and feelings. Raise your voice to stand up for what's right but preference black voices and black perspectives ABOVE all others.

Don't judge people coming into this conversation late. People express themselves in different ways. Not everyone is as educated as you. Not everyone is good at expressing themselves how you see fit. Not everyone grew up in a household where social issues were often discussed or taught how to cope with them or how to properly address them. If you're wondering how someone feels, there's this old fashion thing people used to do. It's called communication. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION. Do not come for anyone. Educate them.

Let go of any possible fears and Don't be afraid to join now. What you may have to offer to the table can change someone's life. You could open someone's eyes. You could open someone's heart. You could open someone's mind. I saw this post on Instagram by @calirock on instagram. She said:

"Some are posting on social media.

Some are protesting in the streets.

Some are donating silently.

Some are educating themselves.

Some are having tough conversations with friends and family.

A revolution has many lanes - be kind to yourself and to others who are traveling in the same direction. Just keep your foot on the gas."

^ I'm here for it.

I think the key for us all is to really sit down and educate ourselves on our own first, without feeling the need to have any recognition and then educating one another in kind and peaceful ways. If you have been spreading awareness and sharing resources, thank you.

HONESTY TIME:

Things I am guilty of:

• Feeling like I can't do anything.

• Feeling like my opinion doesn't matter.

• Feeling like I shouldn't say anything because I don't want to portray that I know how black people feel because I am not black myself.

• Feeling like whatever I say isn't good enough because I don't know much about politics.

You don't need to know every little detail about politics to voice or express your peace. Because whether done consciously or unconsciously, you as a human being SHOULD know that the injustices and mistreatments of black people are morally wrong.

A message from me to the Black Community:

I see you. I hear you. I stand by you. You matter. You matter to the world.

To anyone reading this:

Please open up your heart and your mind as much as possible.

There is no need to create any more division. We need each other.