What I’m Doing Because #BlackLivesMatter

First and foremost, I’m sending my best wishes and warmest regards in the face of everything. I wish you and your loved ones good health and plenty of love. Normally, I use this blog as a place to spread positivity and share things that I love. In the face of current events, I want to talk about everything that is happening with the Black Lives Matter movement, because it isn’t just a political matter. It is, and always has been, a matter of morality and humanity.

In an effort to amplify melanated voices, I’ve postponed my originally scheduled content and I’ve used this time to listen to the black community and learn about how I can be better. There are a lot of heightened emotions running right now, and even though I write this later than everything else, I don’t think I’ll be able to say anything new. The important stuff has already been said: the fact that racism at the hands of police brutality continues to happen to today is horrible, we shouldn’t forget these victims and fight for a better tomorrow, and changes need to happen as soon as possible. 

The reason that I’m writing this post isn’t entirely about me. In a way, it is, because this movement is fighting for equal treatment for everyone. I’m writing because I want to make it clear that I’m an ally to the black community. While I can never understand what you’ve gone through, I want to do everything in my power to help you. I want to be better for you, and I want to fight for you to have better too. I’m listening and I’m learning, and I’m here for you.

I’m not a part of the black community, but I’m Asian American. My love of humanity has led me to have a thirst for knowledge and understanding people. In learning, I know that I wouldn’t have a lot of the rights that I do if it weren’t for the black community pushing for them. It was a black man that appealed to the American government to let “Indochinese refugees” in. The black community pushed to desegregate schools and housing areas, and fought for equal treatment. I’m so grateful to be an American citizen, and to have the opportunities to do all that I can. I’ll never be able to thank the black community for enduring what they have just so that people like me could have these rights.

It might be selfish of me to ask for this after all you’ve done for me. However, I need to ask because I want guidance on how I can be better. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. I’m doing what I can, but I would like to do better for you. Sometimes I wonder if what I am doing is enough. Here is what I’m doing so far.

I’m Amplifying Melanated Voices

For the first week of June, I muted myself and reduced the amount that I was posting about myself. While you haven’t seen it here, I’ve been using my space on Instagram to promote black voices. I’ve followed and interacted with more black businesses in the past week than I have in a lifetime. I’m doing what I can with the space I have to promote the voices of black people. 

Reading White Fragility and Expanding My Knowledge

So the main point here is that I’m expanding my knowledge in any way I can whether it is on social injustice, current events, or politics. There are so many facets to the issue. I specifically mention White Fragility by Robin Diangelo because I’m a book person, and this book is hitting its stride because of this movement. It’s on back order until June 24, and I’ve only heard of that happening in college bookstores. This book by Diangelo explains why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism, and it’s been illuminating. I can see why everyone is reading it now, because its vital to understanding racism in this country.

Using My Privilege to Speak Out

There’s Instagram and this blog post. I’ve also interviewed an advocate for the black community for an article I’m working on. The discussions I’ve had are also about this movement. It’s important, and I want to talk about it, even when it gets hard and makes me uncomfortable. The important things in life won’t always be easy and comfortable. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t happen. 

Being Politically Active

I know I said that this is an issue of humanity and morality. But the thing is, change also needs to happen on a political level. I’ve been registered to vote since I was allowed to. There are petitions to sign and protests to attend. The real change also happens when policy changes, and policy changes happen with the people in the office. It’s all a cycle, so learn about it and be active in it. Look at so much we’ve accomplished in a week. Let’s keep this momentum going.

As millions of people across the country take to the streets and raise their voices in response to the killing of George Floyd and the ongoing problem of unequal justice, I’ve heard many ask how we can sustain momentum to bring about real change.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 1, 2020

Lending an Ear to Listen and Learn

I’m keeping an open mind. I know there’s so much knowledge to gain. I’m learning what I can, and I want to be here for those who need it. Reach out to me. Learn with me. Teach me something. Consider me a friend. 

There is so much information, but I want to hear from you. I want to be a better ally. Let’s have an open dialogue. What can I do to be the ally you need? Would you share your stories and strife with me? What are some of your favorite resources on this issue? What resources do you need me to gather for you? How can I be better? Tell me in the comments below. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m always so grateful, and it always helps me out when you like a post you enjoy, or when you subscribe because you want more. Also, if you find this post useful and helpful, share it with your friends and on your social media accounts. Let’s use this time and this platform to unify each other and build a better tomorrow. 

Love Always,

Kristi My