A Conversation About #BlackLivesMatter

June 20, 2020 New York, NY, USA

BLM NYC Protest

If the Black Lives Matter discussion makes you uncomfortable, good. Having these conversations are needed now and moving forward to make impactful changes in our society.

#BlackLivesMatter
The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster of heavy emotions and absorbing so much content and I felt the need to step back from posting my regular content. Since travel has been out of the equation since this pandemic started, I wanted to use my platform to talk about what's going on. In the past couple of weeks, I've been watching who is posting and who chooses not to post anything related to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. I noticed those who show up to protests just for a Instagram photo op and then leave right after getting their photo. I made note what brands and companies followed the band wagon of posting a black square for #BlackOutTuesday and the haven't posted anything since then related to the matter. I've had a few people send me messages and unfollow me across my social media platforms for constantly posting statistics, stories, and facts about BLM. If you can't handle what's going on and me speaking up then I'm glad to see you leave my community.  I will never condone racism and hate, so if you come on to my platforms with that, you will be blocked.

It just blows my mind how people look away from systemic issues because it doesn't affect them personally. If you just had an awakening, that's great, keep learning. But these issues people are so passionate about and fighting for HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. The conversation needs to continue today, tomorrow, and forever. Change needs to happen and I feel like we're getting closer to it but we need to continue to push for systemic change. Police brutality, the education system, public health policies, hiring discrimination, the prison system, and colorism are just to name a few that need attention in the United States. I also encourage you to not only get your information from news stations but to do your research. I've seen some videos circulate on social media platforms that tell a different story than that of what news stations share. Also not all protests are violent and scary like the media likes to portray. Since this pandemic happened I haven't left my home to go anywhere unless it was essential. The two times I did leave my home was to participate in peaceful protests in NYC. Everyone was there in unity, passed out free masks, snacks, waters, and nothing bad happened. We marched for a couple of hours, laughed, cried, sang songs, said some chants, took breaks, listened to a few speakers, and had moments of silence. It was such an emotional experience yet beautiful because you saw all sorts of races coming together to support and uplift, that's' what we need to do more in a time like this. I mean 2020 has been a heck of year so far. We're still in a global pandemic due to COVID-19, many people lost their jobs, yet so many people are coming together despite all of that to attend protests because enough is enough.

As a daughter to immigrant parents, I know the discrimination and racist comments ignorant people tend to say. I've heard it all but I will never experience what a Black man or woman have to go through living in the United States or even traveling abroad. Growing up in New York, I had the privilege to be around diversity. All of my schools from elementary through high school have been very diverse, I would say the majority of my class would be BIPOC and the minority were white people. I had diverse teachers in my schools as well which I think is so important to see that representation as a child in a school setting. Once I got to college, I started noticing the change and seeing less diversity in my classes.  I would say I'm lucky to have an upbringing where I learned from so many different cultures because of my classmates and being around so much diversity. I wouldn't trade that upbringing for the world. This is why so many people love New York because it's melting pot of different ethnicities, languages, and culture. Because of that I've been aware of racism and injustice at a very young age. For the most part I've always been aware of the system, discussed uncomfortable topics, and always willing to learn and hear about BIPOC experiences. The learning never ends.

As I traveled more and met people from all walks a life but specifically in the United States, a few people would say comments that just rubbed me the wrong way and just plain ignorant. It was very clear they did not grew up in a place where there was diversity. You know, I can't fault them for where they grew up because they didn't have a choice in that decision. BUT it's 2020, you can not be ignorant ANYMORE. Nobody is born as a racist, it is learned. You do have the choice and ability to educate yourself, if you chose not to that your ignorance is showing. If you grew up in an environment were racist comments were said and it's still in your vocabulary then you need to unlearn that behavior. Acknowledging your wrongs can only lead you to growth. Use your time to educate yourself and listen to the stories of many Black people. You will hear their pain, their heartbreak, and strength through their stories. Have more compassion and empathy.

Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter.
The Black Lives Matter Movement is trending, it's a hashtag, it's being talked about not just nationally but globally because it's an issue that's not being addressed for years. All Lives cannot matter unless BLACK LIVES matter. There's a clear disproportion of issues and injustice that Black people have to deal with on a daily basis that you aren't even aware of. Your privilege yields you from ever having to experience what they experience. Yes, all lives matter no one is saying that. But it's not about YOU right now, so take a back seat. Right now, the attention and spotlight is for you to educate yourself on things you didn't know that was going on outside your bubble. So you can clearly understand why people are fighting this fight. Yes this movement has made it's way to the media because of George Floyd's death but this movement has been happening for years before this incident. It's just now got you're attention. So instead of seeing this movement in whatever way you're seeing it, LEARN, EDUCATE, AND BE ALLY because Black Lives Matter today, tomorrow, and forever.

racism quotes


Recognize Your Privilege.
Privilege comes in many forms. Here are a list of few aspects of privilege to consider your race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, wealth, class, and so on and so forth. But white privilege is what I will go into further in this post. If your white, you benefit at the expense of BIPOC. Whether you want to believe it exists or not, IT DOES EXIST!

Oh and if you still believe your white privilege doesn't exist, look where you live. Are you living in the newest built high rise in an up in coming neighborhood. How many BIPOC left the very same neighborhood they grew up in because they can no longer afford to live there due to some developer wanting to take over that area. Also if your inner circle isn't diverse, that's part of the problem as well. You should want to have a diverse group of friends and be open minded to get to know people that don't like you. Do you have to worry about going in a store and having people follow you because of the color of your skin? Does your work place have only people that look you? Can you walk freely in any neighborhood and not get asked if you reside there or get questioned because you look suspicious? There's countless of examples that happen to Black and POC that you may never have the to go through or think twice about and that my friends is your white privilege. Also acknowledging  the fact and statistics that people of color are the global majority.

This conversation of white privilege also needs to be had within BIPOC communities that are white passing. In many communities having lighter skin is preferred or having more Euro-centric features are more idolized. There's many instances when skin bleaching products are sought after just to achieve that look. Just know that even if you're a minority and have lighter skin you too hold privilege to those who have darker skin. And racism also exists within BIPOC communities which I think should stop. We all need to stand together and uplift each other instead having this superiority complex from community to community. I will go deeper into this topic in another post when it comes to the Latinx community, stay tuned for that.

Since this is a travel blog let's tie this topic up with a bow. To all the white people who went to the Caribbean, South America, or Africa for mission trips or volunteer work. To then take pictures and exploit Black children or POC on social media and state that the trip has changed your life but can't even speak up about these issues? Where are you you now? Many not all of you love to travel as tourist to other countries and feel like you have some sort of savior complex. You were and always will be treated well from the locals. Even yet if you decide to become an expat in a different country, you are always welcomed with open arms. But when it comes to issues in your very own country when it comes to immigrants, you're so quick to look down on BIPOC and treat them badly as if they were criminals. Yet you love to enjoy their food, culture, and music. If the roles were reversed would you like that same treatment? Just make it make sense.

Police Brutality.
One of the biggest issues people are fighting during the BLM is police brutality. Why? If you haven't seen George Floyd's arrest video circulating online, you should because it demonstrates the clear example of what police brutality is. How many more people have to die in the hands of the police specifically Black people? This has been an issue for years. There have been countless of cases of police killing Black people due to racial profiling because that person "fits" the description. I actually saw a video that was popular on social media of a Black man hanging outside of a restaurant. Two police come and start questioning him then quickly arrest him because he supposedly fit the description. He then told the police to check his wallet for his identification and they quickly changed their tune and attitude. This black man was an FBI agent who obviously in a higher position than they were, and right then and there stated he was going to report them. Not many people are in that position. There's so many innocent people who to jail for crimes they didn't commit. Majority of those are BIPOC. If a white man does a similar crime and has the means to post bail he doesn't get the same treatment that a BIPIC man would if he did the same thing and doesn't have the means to post bail. These are systemic issues that need to change. 

I'm not saying all police are bad but there's so many bad police out there that get away with things that needs to stop. Also to those good cops that don't speak up and say anything against their co-worker is also part of the problem. You might've heard term DEFUND THE POLCE lately. If you aren't aware why it's because millions if not billions of dollars goes to the police budget annually. What the people want is for some of those funds go towards other aspects in the community that is needed like education, different organizations, neighborhoods that need it. As we see more and more videos of police acting in an uncalled violent manner in situations that don't need to end up that way, think to yourself, if they don't care how their actions are bring seen while being filmed. What do you think they are doing when there are no cameras around.

Another thing that always rubbed me the wrong way is that in recent years we see a crazy person shoot up a school, movie theater, mall, or night club. Majority of the time it's been a white male who committed those crimes. Once reporters dig into his life all you hear on the news or in the court room, oh he's always struggled with a mental illness. Yet if it was a BIPOC committing that same crime, that person is automatically named a terrorist.

police brutality quotes

Ways to Support the Black Community.
There are endless ways to support the Black community. Don't let the momentum stop, continue to do these things when this topic isn't trending. Here are a few places where to get started:
  • Sign Petitions- Signing them helps so much more than you know. You may think it does nothing but the more and more signatures petitions get, the more attention they get. All this leads to is actionable steps for change. Here are petitions you can sign today! (click here)
  • Support Black Owned Businesses- Switch up where you spend your money! MONEY TALKS. So many businesses are being called out for their racist work environment, lack of diversity in employment, pay gaps, and so on and so forth. If you don't want to support your favorite brands after learning about their racist behavior on social media lately then start shopping elsewhere. Learn and find out about new brands, businesses, restaurants, and social media content creators. There's so many businesses you may of not heard of before or have been on your radar so start looking for them because they need your support as well! If you find a Black owned business you love, spread the word and leave a positive review so more people can shop there as well.
  • Make Donations- I know were currently in a global pandemic and everyone's financial situation is different but if you have any bit to spare, consider making a donation to any organizations or businesses that are in need. Anything helps but if you're not in a financial place to donate, just sharing the link to family and friends is a great way to spread the word and getting donations that way. Here are a list of places where donations are need (click here).
  • Educate Yourself- It's 2020, you can't be ignorant anymore. There are more than enough FREE resources online to start educating yourself on topics you may not know about, want to learn more about, history you weren't taught, and injustices people have suffered. By googling information, watching movies + documentaries, reading books, listening to podcasts; there's seriously no excuse to simply not know or be ignorant to these issues anymore. On Netflix there's now a dedication section of Black movies and documentaries that you can binge. Two must see watches I always recommend to people are 13th and When They See Us. Both are directed by Ava Duvernay whose work is just simply amazing.
  • Speak Up- If you see some sort of injustice happening in front of you, USE YOUR VOICE! Whether it's in a public setting, at work, with friends or family. People need to be held accountable for their words and actions. We can't let things slide anymore, enough is enough. If you have a platform, use it and talk about these topics even when it's uncomfortable. 
  • Go to a Protest-  If you feel the need to protest, GO. Experience a protest yourself and form your own opinion. Using your voice, your presence, sends a message not only in your city but to everyone you know where you stand in this movement. These protests are part of a history believe it or not. As someone whose attended two protests in NYC so far, it's been a beautiful experience. There are many social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter that update you where protests are being held. 

Protest Photos.
I tried my best to be respectful of people's identity and privacy so this is why I focused on protest signs and the backs of people's head. If I attend more upcoming protests I will update with more photos. If anyone chooses to use these photos please link back to my blog and credit me, thank you!

New York City Black Lives Matter

NYC Black Lives Matter Protest










BLM poster signs







Black Lives Matter Protest  Poster
Black Lives Matter Protest  NYC


Comment Below,
What are you doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement?

74 comments

  1. I'm so glad you shared this in such detail. I think too many people haven't yet really recognized what the Black Lives Matter movement is really all about.

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  2. I think this is going to really help people understand what the movement is all about. There's so much misinformation out there surrounding it.

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    1. I agree! I think people aren't turning the BLM movement to something it's not. Hopefully people gain clarity!

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  3. I love this so much! I live in the South, and I can't tell you how many peopel I hear getting what BLM is all about so totally wrong.

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    1. Thank you so much Stacie! It's still mind0blowing to know people STILL don't get it.

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  4. I actually hardly ever write about things that are in the news except for one post about the pandemic - but I think it's great that others do write about it :)

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    1. My blog is centered around travel and I tend not write about topics like this but doesn't mean I don't talk about it in my real life. If you have a platform I think it's important to speak up because staying silent isn't an option anymore.

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  5. Hi, thanks for caring for the world as much you write about caring for the black people. We should live in a peaceful world like the black people deserve.

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    1. It's just plain common decency that is not so common nowadays. We have to keep fighting for change!

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  6. Wow thank you for creating this post! you did an amazing job. I live in Canada and racism is very a live here too.

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    1. Thank you so much! It's sad to see racism occur in 2020. Change need to occur!

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  7. We don't deserve racism and we don't discriminate people based on the color of their skin we should do respect for all of the times!

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    1. Unfortunately here in the United States racism still occurs and discrimination does happen based on the color of your skin.

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  8. To be honest, I am against racism and I think one thing that I can help the community is to always educating and reminding my kids about that. We are all deserves to live in peaceful place no matter what the color of your skin.

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    1. That's amazing! Education never stops and at the end it just makes us better people when we put ourselves in other peoples shoes.

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  9. All people deserves to live. All people deserves respect. We should all have peace these pandemic days.

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    1. I agree but that's not whats happening. Black Lives are not being respected whether it's a pandemic or not. This is the issue that needs to change.

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  10. I love the quote at the end that says "No one is above or below. That's why the Creator gave us all the same color shadow." We need to all see each other as people with lives and souls, and all created by God.

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  11. Black lives matter is the most important movement now. there is so much racism and a lot of it comes not noticed at all. we don't always understand that not seeing race is often racist too

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    1. Amen to this! I agree it's a movement that will be history books in the future. It's sad that were still fighting this fight on racism in 2020. Hoping for a better future!

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  12. Thank you for sharing this! It is so important to keep speaking about this, writing about this, and sharing about this. This post is written with so much detail. Keep preaching it!

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    1. Thank you so much! I agree we need to keep shining a light to the #BlackLivesMatter movement to seek the change and justice that is needed.

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  13. i love the quote about how the Creator gave us all the same color shadow :) Very nice!

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  14. Very Insightful post dear, am so glad you are backing a good cause .

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    1. It's just common decency, justice, and a human right to be treated equally.

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  15. This is truly one magnificent of act that incorporate the most important thing in this world which is love, having to have love can truly solve the problem in this world whatever it is.

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    1. Yes. Sadly not many people show that love to one another on a respect level. Hopefully things will change for the better!

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  16. Hell yes girl, PREACH. I just drove by a stupid protest in my small town with a bunch of "police lives matter" BS and it took everything I had to not yell at them out the window.

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    1. Thank you! And Oh no I can't with those kind of people.

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  17. GLad you shared such important topic with us..this is quite embarrassing too..that even in this 21st century such things are happening..great work though...

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  18. This is really an informative article on the blm movement! It is really important that their voices may be heard and that justice will finally be served, thanks for sharing this with us!

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  19. I learned so much about BLM movement from this post. I'm Asian so I also get my fair deal of racism but nothing as bad as the ones black people go through. I hope this gets addressed, recognized, and fixed soon.

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  20. #BlackLivesMatter has been a very powerful movement. It doesn't stop after 2-3 weeks. It's a long time fight!

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    1. I agree! Here in NYC there's been many protests every single day for 2 months so far!

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  21. Nnnniiiccceeeeeee....this is the kind of content I enjoy reading and seeing. It is good to know the fight goes on. From 2017, my mantra has always been to support more black-owned businesses than ever before and protest every single time there is something wrong going on. That is precisely why I locked my hair and threw away the keys!

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    1. I'm glad to hear. Yes I'm def going to be supporting more Black restaurants and businesses and highlighting them on my blog and youtube channel!

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  22. One thing that I've seen so many people not understanding is the Black Lives Matter vs. "all lives matter" sentiment. I've seen myself and others try to explain it, and sometimes it registers, but other times people seem to just shut down and ignore any logical explanations. It's great that you're sharing!

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    1. Ignorance shows people people don't care to actually listen to educate themselves instead listening to their own narrative.

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  23. it def is a powerfull movement right now. i can't imagine living in the thick of it.

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  24. Love how you included ways to support black lives matter. I can't believe how ignorant some people can be, it's not that hard to educate yourself, you just need to want to.

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    1. Thanks so much! I completely agree, it's sad when people who choose not to educate themselves. The information is out there. But those people rather stay ignorant, such a shame.

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  25. All lives matter, whatever color you have or race you came from. I pray and hope that their heart will be brighten.

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    1. That's how it should be but unfortunately thats not the case. Hoping things will change so we can get to that point!

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  26. Excellent read and very informative. I think it is very important for people to educate themselves and learn all they can before making a judgement call on how to proceed.

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    1. It's common decency and a plain human right to be treated equally and with respect. Unfortunately these judgement calls are not positive or just.

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  27. Thank you for sharing. Very informative and insightful. I think it's so important that people educate themselves and take in as much info as they can before they act with hate or ignorance! Love the pictures too- so inspiring !

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    1. Thank you so much! Going to the protests was such a beautiful experience of unity and love.

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  28. A very detailed post I must say. I actually did write about it too and tried as much as possible to break it down. Here's the thing: there are always two sides of an argument. I think just like every other thing, people tend to move against it simply because they don't really understand especially when they've not experienced it personally or witnessed it. So to such people, racism doesn't exist and they'll have a hard time believing that it does.

    The opposite is the case for those who experience it. That's an aspect of it. Then the other part is that there are some bad eggs making the movement look other than it is. Let's not forget those who are seizing the opportunity to make it political.

    Now, with all these combined, one can understand why some may not be entirely comfortable with the situation--mainly this is influenced by the kind of information received (perception). However, any human should be able to have the decency to treat another with kindness and despite where we come from or who we are, we can at least agree with this.

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    1. All these issues have been put into place for years this is why it's more than just racism it's systemic. Just because it's "new" to some people it's because they had the privilege to not experience these issues or have awareness to them. But if they opened their eyes outside of their bubble they would be more aware. Racism is taught. It's 2020 and the fact the we still have to teach people HUMAN DECENCY is sad. Being ignorant is not an option anymore. This isn't politics, it's just plain having human rights and treated fairly. That's what it's all about. And those people who are "bad eggs" are the only ones getting a spotlight in ruining what the movement and message is. And for the most part those "bad eggs" have been white people coming into protests who want to ruin property and start problems.

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  29. Thanks for providing a list of things that everyone can do to engage and support this movement. I wish I could join in with the protests, but as a disabled person and the mother of immuno-comprimised children I have to stay away from crowds as much as possible. But we can all examine our own beliefs, attitudes, and responses to racism, and do better than we have done before. While I am not and never have been a racist some extended family members are, and I vowed to move from avoiding them, to challenging them. We all should do that. Blessings

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    1. There's so many ways to support without going to protests. Your health is foremost important especially during this covid-19 time! Yes, I think it's important to speak up to those extended family members and correct them. So many times I too just eye rolled and ignored those crazy remarks but that can no longer happen. Speaking up is the only way to change perspectives!

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  30. I am against racial discrimination. I believe people of any nations should be respected. With the recent police brutality, I think, it is time to make our voices louder for all to see that we all need a space in this society.
    https://www.thecityrat.com

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  31. What a beautiful and thoughtful post! Racial discrimination is systemic and unfortunate incidents like George Floyd death can only be trigger to a bigger and wider movement! I think we all need to change our way of living a bit!

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  32. This is very insightful to those who doesn't take it too seriously! No to police brutality and no to racial discrimination!

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  33. I hope others take your advice and continue to educate themselves. Now is the perfect time to do so. I wonder what will happen when this no longer makes the news cycle or social media campaign but do continue to hope that more change occurs.

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  34. I had a huge argument with someone about how cops lives matter too and even when they're not in uniform they're still scared. Like... you can take your uniform off. People can't take their skin color off. That's the difference. I just cannot.

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  35. I didn't understand there was a difference between All lives matter and black lives matter at first. I was afraid of saying Black Lives Matter as a white female, and it would be frowned upon. Having conversations like these is important and gave me the confidence to support and be part of the movement because I agree things need to change! Black lives matter!

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  36. This is a very important topic and I feel that the conversations about it have started to dilute as the weeks passed by. You don't hear about it anymore, not in the news, not on social media. And the conversation shouldn't die because only tiny things have changed, there are still so many things to do until the world reaches a new normal where black lives matter.

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  37. Thank you for sharing this with your audience! I am so glad that more and more people are talking about this and shedding light on the issues that have constantly been happening for years. I know that a lot of people aren't aware of these issues or they try to ignore the events that happen when it comes to black people or just people of color in general. It's great that you are using your platform to make people aware of everything going on and share with them how they can support the movement!

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  38. I feel like we are a part of some very influential movements right now. This is definitely one of them.

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  39. We do all have the same shadow - good that you found something meaningful to talk about :)

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  40. Well said... sadly, some people will never get it and those who do are the ones responding here. Racism is learned and some people can't let go of their hatreds. The best we can do is speak up, vote for change, and let the rest go.
    Elizabeth O

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  41. Very articulated.you didn't leave out anything.I loved the unity people showed during the George Floyd protest.but now I see a lot of comments on TMZ laughing about his death.it's really sad that humanity is lost

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  42. Very articulated.you didn't leave out anything.I loved the unity people showed during the George Floyd protest.but now I see a lot of comments on TMZ laughing about his death.it's really sad that humanity is lost

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  43. Wow a powerful post. As a black woman in America this movement is so important and one black out day or a few moments isnt enough, this needs to be an ongoing conversation because life is still not right for black people in america. It is still so hard to be heard.

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  44. This racism is sad. I really hope that people across the world should stop all the unfair deeds.

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  45. I think as long as humans can "see" the superficial differences of skin color, they will react accordingly. If we were all color blind it would be a different world.

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