Dear BIPOC and White Friends too,
I want to apologize to the BIPOC community for not speaking
up, for remaining silent when my introvert person hides away. I have told
myself during this time of pandemic it is safer for me, an older woman, to stay
safely at home and thus not show up and stand beside you in protest of your
treatment. My heart has been with you, but I have hidden away. I want you to
know I love you, stand with you, and my words here must do my speaking.
In school I was taught white history; so I don’t know your
history and haven’t asked.
In my wider family in the past I have heard racial comments
and not spoken up and stood with you.
When I have stood beside you in the post office line I have
thought I would like to know you, but not said a word to you.
When I shop I didn’t realize that for you the stores I am
shopping in are designed for white people and that you might be uncomfortable
being there, but going there because places you would feel comfortable are
disappearing.
Most often I read books by white women, because that is
where I feel most comfortable. I haven’t explored books available by BIPOC
people.
I am remiss in so many little and big ways, please forgive
me.
My dear white friends, do you even know what BIPOC stands
for? I didn’t until this week, but then I didn’t bother to know. BIPOC is Black
Indigenous People of Color. That means people with skin color darker than your
own whiteness.
In traveling in other parts of the world I learned all
people are the same, but I didn’t tell you I learned that. All people have a
heart, they bleed like you and they cry like you. Their laughter delights me
and their suffering saddens my heart.
We are one human race. We must learn to live together in
harmony, love, and peace. With internet we have become one world and in that it
is more than ever important to show kindness to each other. Let us stop isolating and condemning each
other. Let’s be open to embrace one another and listen, carry on that
conversation, and learn from each other. Our lives would be much richer for
doing so. What we believe to be true may only be your truth as you know it at
the time, but in listening and learning you and I can continue to grow, learn, and
become a better you and me.
All pictures are mine in travels to other parts of the world.
The first is a family on the beach in Thailand.
The second was artwork in France.
The third was a musician playing in the park in Barcelona.
And the fourth, which totally delights me, is dancing in the street
in Carcassone, France.
Please think on these words, which were inspired by my reading of Me and White Supremacy.
I am continuing to read and learn. More thoughts may come in the future.
Happy weekend, dear friends!
