It’s hard to know how to start this post. Or even organize my thoughts. The last few days have felt overwhelming, eye opening, convicting and humbling. Not really sure how I’ve lived this long without really LISTENING to the hearts and experiences of an entire race of people living in the same country that I do. Or maybe even worse, listening to bits and pieces but at the same time thinking it was their responsibility to do something about it — not mine. Ugh.
I’ve mentioned in the past how I always feel like I’m in the middle (i.e. not extreme!) of so many topics and political issues, but THIS my friends is one movement where I don’t want to find myself clumped in with the middles.
This revelation started about a month ago, while helping Griffin through a Civil War lesson. I learned that there wasn’t just the Freedom Fighters in the North and pro-slave white supremacist in the South, but there was also a third group of people. Those who, although they didn’t agree with slavery also didn’t feel like it was worth fighting over. Sound familiar? Staying unaffected and unaware sounds like the most ideal and comfortable place to be, but it’s also not the group of people I want to be associated with in my grandchildren’s history books… the people that think, know and believe something is wrong, but simply don’t care enough to say or do anything to change it.
Now, I have no intention in becoming the next Maya Angelou, but I do plan on intentionally adding diversity to our home, conversations, and circles of influence. I’ll continue to put my limited (by experience) world-view to the side long enough to listen to those that are hurting and most importantly, showing up when they need me. And not just this week, month, or year, but for the rest of my life.
I’ve been changed by what I’ve learned helping Griffin with school and the domino effect of events over the last few weeks. Doing nothing is no longer an option for me.
Aside from actively learning, listening, and changing the culture in our home, I fully plan on being one of the white faces showing up to a march….
…In a really cute marching day outfit like these beautiful women. Ha! Kinda being silly, but also, look at their outfits!!! Sunday best status! And if we’re being totally strategic, dressing up a little would make it a lot harder for the media to confuse peaceful protesters with rioters, don’t you think!?
In all my years of seeing photos of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement, I’ve never wondered were all the white people were during the protests… Now, it’s all I can think about.
After today, I’m going to continue with my regularly scheduled content, but you can expect to hear more from me on tough subjects. I also plan on bringing back my arrow projects posts, with an emphasis on human rights. If there are any causes you’d like me to share or hear more about, please let me know!
xo, Rae
Good for you, Rae. You might find Waking Up White by Debby Irving a useful text in your journey right now – or listen to the audiobook, read by the author!
You’re exactly right about dressing up for protests. That was absolutely a strategic decision by protesters. Not an insignificant or frivolous detail to have noticed at all!
Thank you for the suggestion! I added it to my audibles library. Thanks for responding and for the tidbit about the protesters outfits. So cool! xo