I don’t know what to say.  How can I? I am a white woman who grew up in the suburbs, received a college education and who now lives in a quiet residential neighborhood.  I have never been the target of hate just because of the color of my skin.  I have never had to tell my son how to act or to watch his back every time he goes out for a walk, or goes to the market. 

What I do know is that the events that are gripping our country, and which have been going on for longer than my lifetime, pierce my heart deeply.  The targeting of any human because of the color of their skin, be it black, brown or yes, even white, is so against everything decent as to be incomprehensible.  Yet it happens.  It happens because babies and young children are taught to be fearful of those who look different from them.  It happens because generations pass down their fears, their anger and their hate to their descendants.  It happens because fear has clouded the eyes, hearts and minds of love.

I do trust that things will change, as long as each and every one of us is committed.  Love is stronger than fear.   Knowledge can dissipate anger.  Compassionate action can eradicate hate.  Every single person must commit to take some action to effect change.  Sitting idly by and professing outrage over these happenings is no longer enough.  Read. Become informed. Teach by your words and deeds.  Commit random acts of kindness to EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. you meet.  Knowledge begets knowledge. Peace begets peace. Love begets love.