Black Lives Matter

There has been a lot of talk about how black lives matter and they do. I have to admit I have seen images from yesterday's protests in London and I am disappointed on people's behaviour.

But black lives matter and this isn't a post about the idiots of yesterday. The importance is that black lives have suffered for far too long and now is the time for things to change.

Like many, I have been affected by the death of George Floyd. For some reason, I wasn't overly shocked though. Police brutality in America is something that has been documented before. There are people bringing up George's past about how he wasn't a good guy. Maybe not, but he didn't deserve to die. What about Breonna Taylor who was shot by police in her home in March? But this isn't just about America, these things happen everywhere and in the UK (as was so glaringly clear in the protests yesterday).

The other day, my work gave a talk about Black lives matter and I learnt some absolutely harrowing stories that people had been through due to the colour of the skin. I found the talk very powerful but so emotional. I was in tears during the talk. It gave me the kick I needed to give myself a long hard look at myself. As a white woman, I know that I have been privileged with my upbringing and the experiences I have had compared to others. However, I know I haven't helped change the way things are in society in the past. I have stood there as I have heard someone say something inappropriate and not said anything. I would say I have been unaware but also ignorant to the fact that these things still happen in this country and I haven't said or done anything about it when I have witnessed it. The fact that this is all still happening in this day and age is shocking.

The talk stirred up experiences and reminders of things I have said which were not meant how it could have been interpreted. So I, by no means am perfect and nor have I ever been. I have made mistakes but I am now learning from my mistakes and educating myself on how to do better. I have been bullied myself so I know how that feels and I wouldn't want anyone to experience that.

The talk made me uncomfortable but I think that is a good place to start. Having black friends isn't enough to be anti-racist. I am now looking forward on how I can help change things and this needs to stop. I think everyone needs to be treated on an equal level. This is about equality to all.

This is an image from the news of one protester (black lives matter) helping another protester from the opposing side.