I have so much more to learn from recent events. What can I do? It starts here in my home with my family. I plan to do more listening and dig deeper still and listen some more, more learning, volunteering, donating, voting locally and nationally and be part of the change. Change is uncomfortable but discomfort with awareness is where positive change can happen. The recent senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, BreonnaTaylor and so many other black men and women before them have flooded me with sadness for our humanity and caused me to look deep inside myself. Many of us have the casual privilege of being able to live without fear in their daily lives. Unfortunately, our black brothers and sisters are treated differently merely because of the color of their skin and must take each day and encounter into consideration. Our society can only truly flourish if each person is treated with dignity and respect. We cannot make everyone in the world love each other but I can try to lead by example in my own part of the world by modeling the behavior of love, empathy, kindness and generosity to all people beginning with my children, my family, my neighbors and my community. I have said how much I love what I do as a realtor. Why? Because at its core it’s about community, helping EVERYONE find their place and the fundamentals of belonging. If you’re so inclined, below are organizations you can donate and some important books to read about the Black Experience. We truly are all connected and I have tremendous hope that we can create a world that is more loving, equatable and humane for ALL.
American Civil Liberties Union
Books:
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
White Rage by Carol E. Anderson
Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
The Bluest Eyes by Toni Morrison
The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
Brothers and Keepers by John Edgar Wideman