I Can't Breathe- Don't Just Sit There Doing Nothing

How many more times must we hear these words before we say "Enough"?

Hello,
It's Sunita here.

I love words. I look up to words. I use words. I play with words. Basically, I worship words.

But words are not, and never, enough to right a wrong. 

It is only actions that will change what we are a part of. All of us. This social unrest is not about a ‘segment of our society’. 

It is about us as a society. 

Not "them", Not "others", Not "someone else."

There are many ways we can all become part of the solution. Today, there are many who are incredibly gifted at mobilizing change in big, powerful, and meaningful ways. I admire them, and am so grateful for their efforts, and abilities to organize the change that must occur so that everyone feels safe and seen in our society. But community organizing may not be what you and I can do. Does that mean we have no way to participate in this change? No. Does that mean we are powerless and voiceless? No. 

We can be significant and influential agents of justice in ways that will add up. Like the drops in an ocean. We can look at our sphere of influence and choose to speak up and actively make decisions that swiftly move the cause of racial equality forward. Every act and word counts. Something as simple as calling up a friend and saying, “I stand with you. You are not alone.” 

And it’s a good idea to let go of the notion that you understand what they go through on a daily basis. That’s insulting and patronizing. How we hire, how we mentor and promote people, how we reach out and encourage someone to aspire to be their best version. How we believe in someone. How we look to understand someone and their journey is a start. 

Asking questions, and then truly listening. All of this matters. 

Start somewhere. Start small. Do whatever you can do. 

But don’t just sit there doing nothing!

It's a matter of our survival. Not only theirs. 

Love,
Sunita

#icantbreathe #socialunrest #racial #MLK #martinlutherkingjunior #dosomething #speakup #love #justice #listen #understand #blacklivesmatter #istandwothyou #blacksisters #blackbrothers