Jun 3, 20202 min read

Activism Through Education and Art: Understanding Race Relations Amid a Global Pandemic!

So, we're finally doing it. America is finally having an honest conversation about race relations in this country. People across the nation have been traumatized by witnessing the death of George Floyd and are demanding justice through police reform, swift arrests, and an overall review if the justice system as it relates to America's treatment of its Black citizens.

Many people's reaction to this trauma has left them filled with so many emotions vacillating from despair and hopelessness to confusion and anger. In some cases, the rage has turned into destruction of many cities across the nation. All the while we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic--collectively we have all been through so much this year!

Even through all of this, I would like to encourage you to not allow the message (#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd and an end to systematic racism) be lost in the mess (the looting, rioting). We would all be remiss if we did not pause to address the ways in which we each have been impacted by the recent events.

So, it's okay, we can talk about race. As long as we all approach it with an inquiry to seek to understand and not make generalized assumptions, we can begin to develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which Black Americans have been impacted by racism in various facets of their lives.

To help you on this journey, I have curated a way in which we can all deepen our understanding of race relations in America and specifically, further our understanding of the Black plight in America. The series is entitled "Activism Through Education and Art" and features a list of books, films, music, and even wearable art (clothing) that can help you gain historical insight into what is presently being expressed by Black Americans throughout the country. I hope this will allow you to feel more informed and supported during this time.

Please enjoy, provide any feedback, and share with your networks. And as always I'm here to talk with you and process it all.

We are in this together.