What I feel right now is what I’ve been saying for a long time. One person can make a difference, and we all have that power. It may not seem like it, I know because I’ve been there. But we all do have the power to make a change and it would be irresponsible for any of us not to use ours. I don’t have better words to describe how I’m feeling right now, and I may not be in any sort of position to talk about my feelings. But I’m going to try.
The world right now is not a place I ever imagined myself being in, but the same rings true for so many other people throughout history more so than myself. I know I will never truly understand the injustice that is done to others simply because of a circumstance of birth. And I’m not going to pretend to. Instead, I will do what I can do. Make myself aware, educate
So this is for you if you’re feeling just as lost and confused as me. This is for you if you don’t know what to do or where to start as I did. Mostly, this is for anyone looking for the change we need in this world and is willing to put in the work. It won’t be easy, it will be uncomfortable, but it will also be worth 100% worth it. Worth it to stand up for what we stand for, to see firsthand a better world, and to leave that world to future generations!
Educate Yourself
It’s not enough to just read the news lines and watch the videos, we have to ask questions. We can’t just blindly make judgements based off what we see. It’s up to us to do the research and make an educated decision based off facts. We can’t just assume all colored people are the criminals looting Target. And we can’t assume all cops are racist. This isn’t a one side or the other type of topic. Educating yourself is about letting go of emotion and dealing with the truth.
It’s also about learning about the history behind it all and the events that have led up to right here, right now. From Nat Turner and the Underground Railroad to the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine in Plessy vs. Ferguson, as well as Washington, Carver, and Du Bois. From the forming of the NAACP in 1909 to the Harlem Renaissance in the ’20s. Jackie Robinson and Rosa Parks, but also Emmett Till, The Little Rock Nine, and Mississippi Burning. Even the Fair Housing Act and Shirley Chisholm. There is so much to learn and it’s up to us!
Lastly, educating yourself is about making the best decisions you can when it comes to economic, social, political, or any other issue. We created a system to be just and fair to all, and it’s up to each and every one of us to uphold that system. Learn about policies at the federal, state, and even local levels and see what you can do to make positive change. Study candidates running for ANY position whether it be president, mayor, or even county sheriff, and make sure they are making and will continue to make positive changes for all people before you give them your vote.
Take Action
Unfortunately, it’s not enough to just educate yourself. Action without knowledge is useless and knowledge without action is futile. So it’s up to us to take action! And it doesn’t have to be in ways you don’t want to either. I’ve seen people saying on their social media that if you’re not using your platform to speak about injustice then you’re part of the injustice. I don’t necessarily find that true.
Yes, I get the power of people’s voices when used together but I also know that actions speak louder than words. I can choose to use my platform to speak up if I want, but I don’t think it makes me apart of the problem if I don’t. I can choose to use my ‘voice’ in other ways like talking to my Little One about it and teach them how and why it’s wrong. Or I can talk to my community and members of the city/county about how we can implement change at the local level. (The local level is the easiest to make waves and also gain momentum.)
I can make a donation to the NAACP or another platform of my choosing to make a difference on a larger scale. I can join a local club or organization that meets to go over and implement change into policies. (If there isn’t one, it can be started free and easy by creating a FB group and organizing meetings.) There really is no limit to the type of action you can take that will create positive change in the long run! Just remember to not let anyone let you feel that way.
Change For The Better
I know it’s not easy to see and watch all the insanity (for lack of a better word) going on around us and in this world. And it may seem even harder to try to combat it. But we can combat it! It’s going to take all of us working together for a better future and a better world. And it may not be in our lifetime, but if we can get even one step closer, it’s worth it. Worth the pain, the unease, and long journey ahead.
What do you think? Do you have any more ideas for how we can change the world for the better? Please share ’em in the comments below! You never know, you could be the one who sparks a revolution of positivity! And if you’re looking for some tips for coping with stress, check out ETM’s blog here.
As always, thank you so very much for being a part of ETM’s community of Mommas! I encourage you to join discussions, interact with Mommas alike, and be unapologetically yourself! Until next time, I hope I’m able to help make your life as simple as could be. (:
With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth to Momma
