Black History Month: Open Letter

Dear All:

My voice will only get LOUDER (amplified) if things don't CHANGE for the better.

For so long, I was proving to others that I BELONG in spaces not designed for people, like me.

Not too long ago, I went through something so dehumanizing and people just looked beyond it. When I advocated for myself, I was not believed:

Discrimination is insidious. I’m all too familiar with its many forms. I’m constantly advocating for others, while trying to advocate for myself. I’m constantly educating White people on their racism, yet I’m not being compensated for it. That needs to STOP.

I do the work that I do because I do not want little girls and boys to ever feel like they’re not good enough on the basis of arbitrary things.

It’s exhausting, navigating White spaces while trying to REFORM them as if I have the POWER to do it alone.

Black History Month's theme is 'Black Resistance:'

It's an act of empowerment that can also be found in rest:

Rest from the constant DEMANDS of being ON and OPERATING at our highest.

Race-related Trauma is REAL and it can be avoided once people start to view Black people as humans, deserving of love and respect.

We Need Your Support:

If you see something unsettling, say something.

There’s no need to be an expert in DEI to care about humans and speak up for them when you see them being dehumanized, especially if you’re White.

The time starts NOW.

To my beautiful Black people, SHARE your VOICES — LOUD and PROUD.

With Love and Respect:

Dranéa

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