“Does it really make a difference marching for Black Lives Matter in our community?” is a question I've heard in my small, largely white, neighborhood outside Seattle.
The answer is, “Unequivocally yes!”
For real change to happen, the Black Lives Matter message must reach every corner of our state, not just our bigger cities, but our suburbs and rural communities. Everywhere.
By attending a march or vigil, you acknowledge the existence of systemic racism. For real change to happen, the first step comes when we personally recognize our privilege and commit to a more just world. When you march, you are letting friends and neighbors know discrimination and injustice will not slide in your town. You are showing those in the community who feel marginalized that you stand with them. When you march, you show elected officials and community leaders that you demand action now.
It will take all of us to make the long overdue changes needed to reduce police brutality, racial inequality, implicit bias and systematic racism. But participating in protest can’t be where our activism ends. We must:
- Listen to the fears and realities of our Black friends and neighbors.
- Learn about institutional racism and inequality.
- Have hard conversations about racism with our children, family, and friends.
- Recognize our privilege and the role we have played in the current problems.
- Use our power to amplify racial justice efforts, and
- Vote!
So does showing up and speaking out for Black Lives Matter in our smaller communities matter? Unequivocally yes!
-Rep. Tana Senn, 41st LD, D, Running for Reelection
Learn more about Tana: https://www.electtanasenn.org/