Today I was uncomfortable.

I found myself doing something I’ve never felt compelled to do before: PROTEST.

I protested systemic racism and inequalities.

I protested the unexamined bias and privilege that contributes to and allows it to continue.

I protested the abhorrent and persistent treatment of blacks by racist cops.

Most importantly:I protested the horrific murder of George Floyd at the hands of a fellow American who had sworn to serve and protect his community in Minneapolis.

The questions and doubt riddled me with uncertainty and several times I nearly bailed before arriving (and once immediately after arriving).

– How do I find them?

– Will I belong there?

– Where do I stand?

– What do I say?

– Do I need a sign?

– Will it be dangerous?

– How long do I stay?

Then as I rounded the corner, I heard them. I felt the strength of their voices shaking and charging the air as it thudded against my chest while they chanted:

“What do we want?” – “Justice!”

“When do we want it?” – “Now!”

I skirted the crowd and initially watched from a few different viewpoints. The protestors were spread on the sidewalk on the north side of Lafayette Park (which was closed Saturday during nighttime protests)*

Men, women, children. Blacks, whites, Hispanics, people of middle eastern, and more. Most wearing masks. Many had signs or shirts for the protest. Many had nothing.

It dawned on me that I was now “viewing” instead of participating in the very protest I had been so moved to join.
Because I was uncomfortable.

I remembered some of George Floyd’s last words:

“Momma, I’m through”

“Please, help”

“I can’t breathe”

I remembered this isn’t about me. I joined the group. I chanted. I clapped. I was angry. I was heart broken. I won’t pretend to know how others feel. I was happy so many people felt the same compulsion I did to DO SOMETHING.

Many people are angry but are getting hung up because they’re unsure what can be done. They’re afraid that things will return to the status quo again tomorrow.They’re afraid that because some protestors vandalized property that the cause isn’t worthwhile anymore? (people who believe this one still confuses me).

I’m here telling you to forget whatever your objections are and DO SOMETHING!

Not sure where to start?Here are 5 things you can do right now:

1.  Google “How to be a better ally”
2. Take this quiz from Harvard to determine your unconscious biases https://www.tolerance.org/professional-development/test-yourself-for-hidden-bias (and then work to address and change them!)
3. Call out problematic language and behavior every time you hear it
4. Read a book about privilege (Ideally written by a POC – person of color)
5. If you have black friends (or other marginalized and discriminated against groups): listen to them. Read what they’re posting and sharing. 

I’m not an expert. I don’t have all the answers and I make mistakes all the time. Case in point: me making this protest about myself by initially focusing on my discomfort. And if I screwed something up here – point it out to me so I can be better.

But I’m working to be better every day. I’m working to honor the work done by others in this space. I’m working to change our country to one where parents of black children don’t have to have “the talk”. I’m working to prevent a murder like George Floyd’s from ever occurring again.

I challenge you to DO SOMETHING.

*For those unfamiliar: this is the area you see on tv during many Washington, DC protests with a view of the Whitehouse.