When there are no words, but your mind is racing.....

The last few weeks/months have been unlike anything we'd ever seen. While a pandemic was absolutely a new experience for us all, watching the inexcusable police brutality that happened (and HAS happened) in our backyards for years is not new. Absolutely nothing I can say would make any sense of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. His is the most recent name on a sadly long and crowded roster of those who have come before him. It's horrific. It's unacceptable. My city, along with others across the country has reached a breaking point.

Throughout the pandemic, we've been forced to learn how to work differently. My news feed's flooded with articles telling me how to "set my home office up to be the most productive", "manage a remote workforce" or "change my zoom background to a tropical location". I appreciate the support (literally - my back feels better now that I've elevated my monitor), but suddenly workplace ergonomics seems trivial. I'm CRAVING additional resources and support on much more delicate topics.

I've seen so many posts and articles pulling from the same PR bag of tricks. "There are no words.....my heart hurts....let's love one another.....etc". All well-intentioned, and all well-meaning, but not quite resonating with me. How ironic to have "no words to describe the tragic events" yet have your mind overrun with thoughts and emotions. While I don't have the luxury of a ghost-writer, or someone who can make sure I don't put my foot in my mouth.....those who know me know I love a good conversation. It's time that I begin to do the work and have more uncomfortable conversations.

I'm thankful now more than ever for a diverse network of incredibly talented individuals, who are using their voice to educate and promote action. Gone are the articles about "working remotely" (which newsflash people have and continue to do so with phenomenal success). What my news feed is now filling with, are links to education and information on how I can truly begin to work towards deepening my awareness of racial and social injustice, and ultimately take action. Professionals of color have been working at this for years, and it's time that we (as in - we the white people) do better.

• One colleague reminded me that the simple "How are you doing" and the standard "Fine, you?" is BS. People are not fine. People are not ok. I can no longer fall into the routine of the transactional check-in with my team. As someone who craves the in-person interaction with my team, I've struggled at times to connect virtually. I ask my colleagues - continue to go there with me. Let's truly unpack and discuss how we're feeling about the issues in our communities.
• A colleague from the Make it MSP Enterprise Group (thank you @Angel Uddin) shared the article "75 things White People Can Do for Racial Justice". The post showed a large banner saying "Dear white people - do something". I've never loved a headline more. It's bookmarked and I've referred back to it multiple times and know I'll continue to do so.
• There are amazing resources in film/print that the article above references. From watching "13th" on Netflix to a laundry list of amazing literature - and I loved this recommendation I saw....talk about it with YOUR OTHER WHITE FRIENDS. Just beginning to have these conversations, with my own community has brought up feelings and issues that I realize are so deeply rooted.
• There are many resources and organizations that need help in rebuilding. Here is a great list of places that will gladly accept your support both on Lake Street and the surrounding communities.

Let's be real - I have work to do here, and that work will continue. I acknowledge that I've got more action to take, and am working through that as we speak. I am well aware that I may (and SHOULD) get feedback on this post. I have biases that are likely rearing their ugly heads, and when I do - please hold me accountable (as I work to hold MYSELF accountable first) and can do better going forward. Until then, I'm hopeful that while many may have "no words", I can continue refining my own voice and using it with more strength.