If there is one thing for sure, the entire globe has gone through a unique and troubling span of months. Everyone, in one way or another, has experienced some hardship relating to the pandemic. Although it sucked, it was something that allowed us to come together, even while being apart. We all shared this commonality, how many times did you read, "We're in this together."?
Amidst the chaos, a much different situation arose. On May 25, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a 46-year-old African American man, George Floyd, was murdered by an officer from Minneapolis PD. This race-motivated and fatal act perpetuated years and years of police brutality against the black community.
A nation, already in turmoil, turns their attention to Minnesota as Floyd's family, friends, and community demand justice. Protests in Floyd's home city, within hours, spread to marches for justice in cities across the nation. As the country braces themselves for the sixth night of riots, protestors are persistent while igniting the flame of a revolution, and hopefully, reform.
This has to be the final straw, and something has to give. In the past, when African Americans were murdered by the police, there were riots all the same. We marched with t-shirts and signs, protested, and demanded change. Clearly the change didn't come about. The issue is, the news of this murder should have come as a hardship to every single one of us. Someone's father, brother, and son was murdered as a result of racism. The commonality that we share here should be being absolutely enraged, heartbroken, and determined on justice. We can no longer perceive this as "a black issue", "a white issue", or a "police issue". No, this is a human issue. This is my issue, and yours. This should not divide us, this should allow us to come together with the commonality that is liberation. The conversation at hand is human rights. Once we forget the idea of dividing ourselves by race and start unifying ourselves because we are all human, then we will know compassion and peace. It's not up to 'white people', it's not up to 'black people', or the 'police'; It's up to you, and it's up to me. Be a voice for others, and speak up. It is up to you.
This should not mean diversity- rather unity. Realize that change and reform starts with ourselves alone. If every person does all that they can to bring peace to their neighbors and to fight for their voice just as you'd want them to do for yours- then we'll be in this together.
You may be wondering how this relates to CBD. It doesn't. This is merely to say:
Be good. Do good. Realize that you are no more and no less than your neighbor and they are no more and no less than you. Everyone wants peace, everyone wants equal, basic, human rights. And when you witness someone experiencing anything less, even if it is not you, make the world see, and make the world listen.
I’m not black, but I see you. I’m not black, but I hear you. I’m not black, but I mourn with you. I’m not black, but I will fight for you.