Black Lives Matter

This week, I had a couple of posts I was going to write. I had a new cooking adventure ready to go, I had some other post ideas I was starting to formulate, but I’m not going to post them right now.

Instead I want to use my platform to draw attention to what is going on in our world. There’s an important movement happening, that’s been happening for a long time. And that’s the Black Lives Matter movement.

Right now, all over the world and particularly in the United States, Black people are fighting for justice and equal opportunity. They’re fighting against oppression, systemic racism, discrimination, white supremacy & privilege, and violence at the hands of those in power (police, government etc.).

I want to take a moment to express my support and to help the movement in the way that I can. While I recognize I am not a member of a visible minority and I because of this I will never fully understand what it is to be discriminated on based on the colour of my skin, I want it to be clear that I will stand with those that do experience race-based discrimination.

I see you, I hear you, I support you and I will fight with you.

It is horrifying what is happening today, but we must remember this is also occurring on a day-to-day basis for black people and their communities. There are no words that can truly describe the disgust I feel knowing the injustices being done, even within my own country of Canada.

But I don’t want to waste my words on how I feel, because this really isn’t about me. Instead I will use my words to describe how you can take action and support the movement. Here are 4 ways to help support Black Lives Matter:

1. Educate yourself on the realities visible minorities face. There is always more to learn.
2. Talk to your family and friends about what is happening and speak out against any racist acts or remarks they might make.
3. Help get the word out. Show your support by posting to social media, making posters for your windows, or joining a march.
4. Vote for political parties that will fight for equality, justice, and prioritize the needs of minority people and communities.

Here is the link to the Black Lives Matter website: https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Let’s take a pause from our other responsibilities and stand for those black members of our communities. Let them be heard, seen, valued, and cared for as they have always deserved to be.

Write soon,

Hannah B.L.