When I was in college, I was an advocate for social justice. For example, in support of anti-apartheid, I spoke out and protested frequently to get Grinnell College to move their endowment funds away from companies that invested in South Africa.
Then, because I’m privileged by the color of my skin, I went to sleep.
Despite being married to someone originally from Morocco and seeing the rampant unjust treatment of Muslims in the wake of 9/11. Despite watching a racist leader drive the U.S. to the brink of disaster. Despite watching countless Black people lose their lives, over and over again.
I seethed and raged at home. I cried. But I didn’t speak out.
All of the protests around the senseless murder of George Floyd have been a re-awakening. I feel profoundly sad that it took until now for me to start to take a stand again.
And, my not speaking out has done further harm. It upholds and continues the current racist system. One that prioritizes my comfort as a white person over harm to non-whites. The harm done to Black people by this country’s system of white supremacy has caused irreparable damage and is NOT OK. I can only imagine how much pain they’ve felt watching these latest horrific events unfold, for them just one more in a long string of injustices. And the perpetration of that system must be stopped.
With that in mind, I feel it’s important to articulate what my values are and what my commitment as a business owner is:
I realize making a statement is just that. It’s a statement into the air, easily carried away by the winds of time. The real difference will be in how I continue to educate myself so I can be a better ally and accomplice to Black people, as well as to Indiginous and People of Color and where I choose to show up. In how I show up in support of dismantling white supremacy. Actions speak louder than words.
Today, I start with my voice.