The systemic racism that has yet again reared its ugly head is sickening, despicable and cruel.  Can I say I’m embarrassed to be an American?  No, I wouldn’t go that far.  But, leadership is vacant, silent and ineffective in this fight for equality.  Silence on the part of leaders as well as bystanders is NOT AN OPTION.  Silence implies complacency and many times approval of this abhorrent behavior.

So, what can we do?  Participate in PEACEFUL protests (don’t be a part of the problem with destruction and violence); have a conversation with family, peers, children about what is going on and how inclusiveness, kindness and compassion matter; donate to organizations focused on combatting racism and its hateful effects; AND VOTE

EVERY VOTE COUNTS THIS FALL.  VOTING IS A RIGHT.  USE YOUR VOTE TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE.  We live in a country with roughly 50% voter participation, one of the lowest in the world.  We cannot complain if we don’t vote for change.

Resources for Speaking With Children About Race and Racism

• Anti-Racism for Kids 101:  Starting to Talk About Race (Books for Littles)
• How to Talk to Your Children About Protests and Racism (CNN)
• Anti-Racism for Kids:  An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate (Parents)

Organizations to Consider Donating To

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Black Lives Matter
• The Loveland Foundation