Hi everyone,
I wanted to add to Sarah's message and let you all know that we are here for you. Please reach out to us if you want to vent, talk, or cry.
I also want to say that during these times it is important for those of us with privilege to take on the mental and emotional burden of speaking up and educating others. We must do everything we can to demand justice, demand change, and stand in solidarity with our black colleagues and friends.
Beyond speaking and fighting against police brutality and overt racism, we must also address non-violent, day-to-day systemic racism. This kind of insidious racism causes just as much harm as the overt kind, and must be called out. What happened with Christian Cooper while he was bird watching demonstrates no one is just inherently good because they stand on a particular side of the political aisle. We must examine ourselves and continue to work towards being better allies. We must offer our presence and support without expecting to be rewarded, educated, comforted, or absolved.
- Long historical timeline of events that have led up to the protests
- For those upset about property destruction, think about it in contrast to the loss of lives: “We losing loved ones every day to the people that’s sworn in to protect us. It’s not us, it’s the police. This is the madness that they spark up. This is what they encourage. This is what they provoke. This is what you get.”
- Mental Health of Black Journalists who have to cover these events
- America is a Tinderbox
- Weaponizing systemic racism: calling the cops on black people
- What white people can do for racial justice
I am including these links in a Google doc. Those of you who can, please share other resources and even personal stories you think contribute to the conversation: [link for private internal use]
Finally, I want you to know that again, Sarah and I are here for you. If you need time to decompress or take a mental health break, please talk with your manager and know that we are completely supportive.
With love,Qian
