This is not an easy post to write, but it is a necessary one. These last few weeks have been exceedingly stressful for each of us. While signs of prejudice and racist behavior have been rampant in the news, these incidents are not new to some people. Though eye-opening for some viewers who may not be of color, these stories are not simply video or audio clips, but real life that we, black Americans, do not always have the option to turn off, ignore or forget. Our lives are our own constant reminders. Since so many are listening and watching now, it’s time to speak.
Sometimes it may feel uncomfortable and scary to engage in conversations about racism, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. In fact, if everything were comfortable for all of us, there would be no need to change. This has been a lesson I have relearned from all that is going on in our country today. There will be times when you or I may accidentally say or do the wrong things, with the purest, genuine, and loving intentions. There may be times when we do not understand; but we shouldn’t let it stop us from trying. It’s better to make mistakes and try again, than to never start or give up and live with regrets. Know that when you or I mess up, there’s grace so that we can brush ourselves off, learn from our fall, and keep right on going.
When all is said and done and the news moves on to other stories, it’ll be the open–minded, honest conversations we have with one another that will help continue to weaken and eventually defeat racism.
Uncomfortable? Yes. Scary? You bet. Worth it? Absolutely.
I serve as the assistant editor here at the museum, often managing this blog and “Facet,” along with other projects here and there, but I write this as an African American, a woman and a human.
By Candice Lawrence
