I see you. Kneeling. Taking your frustration – and maybe even some personal pain – and channeling it into a peaceful gesture meant to draw attention; hoping to start a dialogue.
I see you.
I’ll admit – my initial reaction when the very first athlete knelt was visceral. I watched a millionaire – who made his millions at a job he wasn’t very good at, or so I’ve been told by those who know far more than me – kneel and then give an interview about how tough his life was. I didn’t think clearly right away. But I’ve educated myself. I’ve talked to those who have been suspected/pulled over/judged/doubted simply because of the skin they wear.
I’ve learned. I’ve educated myself. I’ve admitted that, in quite a few ways, things have been easier for me because of the color of my skin. And now?
I REALLY see you. Not just the gesture. I see your frustration. I don’t claim to understand it, but I see it. I see the desire to make the world a better, safer place for absolutely everyone.
So how can I help? I know that you, as a millionaire athlete, can donate large quantities of money to worthy causes. I don’t have those funds so that’s not an option for me. Maybe you have the skill, the drive, the passion, the connections to establish a foundation that will allow others to donate their financial resources. Again, not my skill set.
So what can I do? As a woman, nearing 50, who has limited financial resources but an unlimited capacity to love people from all walks of life and all skin shades, what action can I take?
I’ve educated myself and will continue to do so. I’ve talked to those who have lived with issues I’ve never faced. I’ve acknowledged privilege.
So what can I DO?