A heartbreaking week.

(Originally posted on my facebook page.)

I have been struggling with what to say the last couple days. I'm heartbroken and weary. Weary of fear and fearmongering. Weary of hate and ignorance and violence. Weary that skin color still divides us. What on earth does skin color matter? Why does it have the power to divide us? Aren't we all American?
We grow up watching the same TV shows, loving ice cream and pie and pizza and video games. We should all live in the same country. And yet we don't.

I watch my loved ones of color fight so hard for things white folk take for granted. Always wondering if the rude sales clerk is racist or just having a bad day. Always having to be 'on point' 'representing well', while worrying they could be the next one to have a traffic stop end in tragedy. I weep that people hate you and are afraid of you.

And my loved ones who are first responders. I respect the hell out of you. Your job is so hard. And so dangerous on the best of days. I weep that people hate you and are afraid of you.

When will this end? When will we rise as a nation and say ENOUGH.
I will choose not to fear.
I will choose to see you as a person, a whole person, not just your skin color or uniform.
I will ask questions when I don't understand.
I will not assume anything based on a stereotype.
I will take back what really made America Great. Our diversity. Our courage. Our exploratory spirit.

Let's do better. 💕