Typically on Monday morning, I post a product review and giveaway. I had one lined up. As I read the news last night, I couldn’t write a single word. I live in Chicago and my city was actually burning. My neighborhood was eerily quiet. Lake Shore Drive had no cars on it because it was closed as traffic could not go downtown. We were lucky as we often are that our home was safe.
I wanted to say something on social media and to use my voice, but words escaped me. I tried to sleep on it. After a fitful sleep, I woke up at 5 AM and decided to post the following on Instagram and Facebook:
I normally keep it light on my social media. I want people to try things I like, to share my experiences, to be inspired to run and live a healthier life and to see things I have the opportunity to see. I stay away from the political and controversial and I say that it would be hypocritical or disingenuous for me to say something now.
But my silence is part of the problem. I come from a place of privilege. I felt like it was not my issue to speak to. I worried about saying the wrong thing so I said nothing.
When we visited Chile earlier this year, I wondered what caused people to protest, riot and stand up, so I asked questions. But at home, I remained silent.
I’m not sure what impact I can have, but I know doing nothing and remaining silent are no longer an option. To start, I’m reading How to be Anti-Racist by Ibram Kendi. I’m also donating to the ACLU of Illinois to help in my community and am trying to learn more about the best ways to channel my energy, resources and voice for positive change.
If you want to discuss your perspective or offer constructive suggestions, I would love to listen and learn. I can’t change the things I’ve done or haven’t done, but I can try to learn and do better. We can do better. We must do better.
Some additional things I’m committed to doing:
- Following more diverse accounts and more People of Color in health and wellness and media on social media. Please tell me accounts you follow that I might not know about.
- Looking for more Black owned businesses to profile and “find.” Please help me in this effort and share your favorites. [Thanks to Maureen for sending me this virtual tour of Gallery Guichard and some music mixes from DJ Duane at the Stony Island Arts Club.]
- I’m joining my friends from A Sweat Life for their “Sweat Together for Equality” event on Tuesday, June 2 at 5:30 PM CST. For $5 a ticket for a 90-minute workout featuring five different trainers – Paige Willis, Ashley Rockwood, Emily Hutchins, Marquita Anderson and Jeana Anderson Cohen. All ticket sales will go to the ACLU. It’s set up to take additional donations.
- Listening and learning. Check out this list of Anti-Racism Resources for White People including 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice.
Thank you for “listening” and taking time to consider my thoughts. Please share your thoughts and reactions in the comments.