Freedom for the Black Community is freedom for me. Bringing an end to Police Brutality is freedom for me.
If you think this is not your fight, If you think you can sit this out and wait for things to go back to normal.
That day will never come.
We have history behind us revealing the truth that sitting back and waiting for things to change simply does not produce results. At the inception of this nation, there is Black trauma. We have yet to come to terms with the fact that our nation enslaved human beings. That is our collective history, we all own that failure.
If your heart hurts, if you are uncomfortable, if you are ashamed. Good. Get used to it. Hold on to that feeling and use it as motivation to help create change. Once you wake up to the injustice facing the Black community, you can’t go back to sleep.
This is going to be a long journey. We are up against a system created to devalue Black and Brown bodies. A twisted notion that sees our brothers and sisters as lesser than. I refuse to be a part of that. The Forum Collective will work to actively oppose these notions. We commit to creating equitable spaces around us, to elevating black and brown voices, to hold our leaders accountable, and to shower our beloved community with love and support and praise.
First, listen. Educate yourself. Find the courage to empathize. And above all, spread love.
Now, let’s take a moment to breathe.
Breath in - Breath out
This is my fight until my last day on earth, this is my fight.
Make it yours too.
Also, support black owned businesses, for real!
Marisa Ramos