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?