My parents will not approve but I did it anyway. I joined a march to lend my voice to the cause. I demanded for justice and said NO to police brutality. I screamed ‘Black Lives Matter’ and said the names of all the countless Black individuals that have been killed by white supremacist and racists.
![IMG_6224[1]](https://i2.wp.com/findingae.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_62241.jpg)
I recognized that the legal profession is not immune from the impact and is often complicit in supporting systemic racism. I joined a group of lawyers who took to the street to exercise their first amendment right to assemble and protest against the deaths and larger systemic issues that allowed these deaths to take place.
Today, I decided to rise to the moment and recognize that I do not have to be ‘Black American’ to use my time, skills and strength to effectuate change as part of efforts to dismantle systemic racism. This was not a time to make a distinction. Being black isn’t a requirement. All I have to be is human!
![IMG_6217[1]](https://i0.wp.com/findingae.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_62171.jpg)
A lot of people would not approve and would rather not exercise their right to assemble. These are people like my parents who relish the idea of safety in a shell. Those who will rather turn the other cheek and do nothing about the status quo. They have several reasons which I do not agree with but I have come to respect their decisions. #Right2Choose.
![IMG_6216[1]](https://i1.wp.com/findingae.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_62161.jpg)
While I recognize that bravery is not for everyone. There are a bunch of things that can be done to ensure that you are not complicit thus being on the side of the oppressor.
- Admit when you are wrong
- Acknowledge when you are complicit
- Amplify the voices of people who know and do more
- Keep seeking newer and deeper understanding
- Listen
- Have some empathy, you don’t need to have experienced it.
![IMG_6231[1]](https://i0.wp.com/findingae.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IMG_62311.jpg)
It is not enough to be non-racist, this moment demands that we all be anti-racist.✊?✊?✊?✊?Forever fighting for causes that are dear to my heart. Black Lives Matter.
❤️
A.E
5 Comments
At some point in one’s adult life, they have to make a choice; live solely by the values of your upbringing, as interpreted by your parents, or chose your own path whilst sticking to the same broad principles. By standing tall amongst millions of other peaceful marchers, in spite of your acknowledgment that it may offend your parents, you are probably honouring them much more than you know, and faced with a clear perspective of your rationale, you’re more likely to earn their admiration than scorn.
#blacklivesmatter
Thanks BJ, this made smile.
I am Ines, a German passionate female traveler and let me comment this matter:
So, the Blacks call for a world free of rascism?! Should they do so. While about 30 extended journeys through black Africa I experienced much upside-down-rascism. How about for example higher prices for whites? Those blacks mostly see in whites a walking wallet and try getting absolutly overdrawn prices for almost everything. What is it if not a kind of racism? Being honest I don’t like black people very much but I come to Africa regarding its landscapes. See what they did in Rwanda in 1994 but while a journey through Ethiopia I really was called “Hitler” instead of my name. Not aa bit of history knowledgte! Illiterate, dumb and naughty but daring to complain about rascism! If I like to buy something I mainly ask my hosts or hotel workers to bring it for me. Otherwise traders have always cheated me. But they tkae my money even from my red (sick) hand. What hypocrisy and double standards as well1 They don’t see human beings in tourists, they just think you’re very, very rich. Kind of discrimination vise versa! But they don’t realize at all! Not the slightest sense of self-reflection!
In Tanzania Massai tribes poison disabled children and no need to mention the Albino-matter! In Ethiopia they leave sick kids back in hospitals after birth. This can only be done by monsters not by human beings.
As if this wasn’t enough: I am having an extended birthmark in my face and stretched out to parts of my body. The blacks stare like cattle and point their black fingers towards me. I have never experienced such a bad and wicked behaviour. They don’t have the slightest idea that their obstrusive glances and comments. Why are you red? The most stupid tactless question ever let alone their horrible glances! Asked back “Why are you black?” has never been replied in any proper way. My 1st husband was African and neither he nor his studied sister defended me from the locals and their idiotic curiousity in Kenya. For them it was normal but not for me. In German staring at disabled people is seen as idiotic. Worst behaviour. Foreigners do, Germans not at all. At the end I divorced him because I lost my respect for this African sissy. Zero tolerance.
One remark, Afrian educational certificates aren’t here officialy reckognized at the same level, they always get downgraded by federel authorities here. Why this? I have seen enough! The most horrible individuals are Ethiopians. they don’t deserve being called “humans”.
In Asia and Europe I have never been treated as I have been treated by Blacks. Nowhere. Never. According to my experiences which really hurt I cannot embrace the idea! Claimuing for what blacks aren#t able to give! With what right? I really wonder. Just Traveling Africa for its beauty avoiding slum areas and renting rooms in high level and developed areas not caring for the price.
And those people claim for respect? Where do they take the right from?
I am thrilled by comments of blacks. 🙂
Comment awaiting approval: Seen after posting. My text will hurt the black “author” so much that it won’t become acknoledged I am sure. The reason is that blacks aren’t used to a meaningful dealing with the mentioned matter. Claiming respect is veryeasy but they can’t give what they are claiming for. So what. 😉
I haven’t been at the backend of my website in a bit and I went ahead to approve your comments because I believe in freedom of speech, I’m open minded and I think everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I absolutely think some of your assertions are true however I also think you’ve made broad generalizations and that’s wrong. I don’t define people by race, colour, ethnicity, sex etc. There are good people and bad people. Also peoples realities, culture and exposure shape their behavior. I am sure you’ve met amazing black people.
Also, I don’t make assumptions like the one you made about me, everyone has a good slate with me irrespective of who or what they are until they prove otherwise, I imagined your travels would have thought you one or two about this . Apparently not! Happy to always engage further. ❤️