So much pain. So much pain we are seeing and even more sad, it’s the same pain amplified over and over again decade after decade throughout the entire history of our country. I don’t know what the answer is, or what will bring actual, real, tangible change in all of our hearts. But driving through the riots a few days ago on our way to visit my sick grandfather, I saw that pain. I saw that same pain firsthand for the first time at 5 years old during the LA riots over what was done to Rodney King (my elementary school was in the heart of where the LA riots occurred and was forced to shut down after parts of the school and church were literally burnt to the ground.) We watched the ugliest form of that pain days ago as a police officer took George Floyd’s life without disregard for him, his family, his 6 year old daughter who is now left without a father. We’ve been taught of that pain through history lessons, images, audios, all in an attempt to prevent history from repeating itself over and over again, but we have not learned. Why have we not learned? Never, NEVER, would I have thought that in the year 2020, I would have to raise my daughter in a time where outright RACISM is more prevalent than ever. Please, please take a moment to listen. Please imagine that pain and hurt and injustice being done to your own father, mother, CHILD, if you are still having a hard time understanding it on a personal level. The REAL change will not start anywhere before it is taught in our own homes. 

 I know we have so many parents here reading this article. I beg you to be proactive and teach LOVE and an utter intolerance of racism from your home. It’s the only chance we have at real change for the future so we don’t have to keep repeating our ugly history decade after decade, year after year, day after day. Love in our homes for ALL HUMANS is the only chance our children have at not facing this same fate we’re experiencing today. We’re all searching for what we can do to make a difference right now. During these past few days, I’ve taken the time to pause, reflect, and continue to educate myself on systemic racism and police brutality so I can join the continued fight for equality. That being said, I’ve researched and found some great resources over the past few days that I wanted to share with all of you. These are just some of the resources and informative links that I’ve found helpful in hopes that some of you will too. Let’s not lose the momentum and continue to be part of the change, whether it’s signing petitions, writing your city’s mayor, or simply educating yourself, anything makes a difference.