Black Lives Matter.

I took this photo while at a BLM protest in my hometown of San Mateo, CA.

First off, the last couple weeks have been insane am I right? From wrapping my mind over the ongoing Covid concerns and losing a family member from it to now with Black Lives Matter. I last shared with you my story with mental health and my experience. Thank you to everyone who reached out and all of your encouraging words! But, to be clear the purpose was not for pity but for those of you who also find or have found themselves in similar situations to know that YOU are so loved and not alone. But, even while sharing my struggles… in my spirit I know that I would be doing a disservice if I didn’t acknowledge the struggle and movement of Black Lives Matter. A few disclaimers and rules of engagement, shall we?

Disclaimers: I although a POC woman who is brown and Latina I am fully aware that I even hold SO MUCH privilege compared to the Black community. Even with my grandparents and parents they had a different upbringing than me and in hindsight harder than I did in certain facets because I grew up in upper middle-class suburbs outside of San Francisco. While they migrated here from El Salvador and Puerto Rico or like my Dad who grew up in East Oakland, CA. I even acknowledge that within the Latino community we all have deep biases and have the opportunity to grow each day. Let’s not tear each other down for learning because when the mirror is flipped on ourselves it’s 1000% safe to say we all cannot be ignorant to our own biases and racism. To do the bare minimum of just being “nice” to a black person/friend or watching a black movie/tv show is not the end goal here. Although I’ve been aware of the racial injustice in the world especially in the USA I have to admit that I could of done more and I vow to do so as long as God gives me breath on this Earth. Am I perfect? NO! Am I open to learn from Black voices? YES! I encourage all of you to do that too. Just as I am learning each day… each of us can continue to educate, pray but crucial to ACTION change now! To empathize, to research systemic racism, biases and prejudices is needed now more than ever.

Rules of Engagement: If you come here aggressively or not willing to do the homework to just send me one off “world star hip hop” type sources or super right wing facebook news click baits please don’t. Let’s have a productive learning conversation from the voice and perspective of Black activists, artists and those who first hand have experienced the vast amount of racial injustice that has plagued our country and world. Secondly, especially if you identify yourself as Christian let’s remember before quoting any scripture to make yourself feel better please acknowledge the one truth…that stands above all…Jesus was a man of love for the hurting and marginalized. Although you may not agree with everyone who is different from you… we are called to LOVE and if they hurt --- we hurt/empathize for them and are there to love first! Before we breakdown someone for what they’ve done or who they chose to love or identify as… we are called to LOVE and show empathy. Remember that please. Be careful of words as they can turn to beliefs…which can turn to action in a negative tone promoting dark.

To the Black community: I will NOT ask you for resources on how I can help you and be a better ally. I acknowledge and can only imagine the trauma and weight of everything. I will do my OWN homework. Ignorance can no longer be an excuse for myself or anyone else who isn’t Black. Especially, since there’s already a plethora of information out there today. I will speak up when I see racism (and racial microaggression). I will vote/educate myself to clean out injustice systems. I will learn. I will grow. I will action. I see you. I hear you. I love you.

I can go on and on about how draining the last week has been trying to have conversations with people who refuse to look at the larger picture. Who for whatever reason find any excuse to just focus on the negative. Or to some who have lost sight and without realizing it (or not) may start to idolize someone who currently lives in the White House over everything else rooted in empathy. But, instead I’m going to choose to be a light for this world and not add to the anger and darkness. And again I 100% acknowledge I could have done more sooner but I’ve come to peace knowing even if I was late to it I am going to seek grow deeper. Educate myself on matters I don’t know as much about. To speak up more in my work environment to demand change, justice and representation. Making sure to seek wisdom and accountability from Jesus (and the church who have taken accountability for their part/role and responsibility to racism, bias and injustice), those whose profession is in racial injustice and Black voices. I encourage you to do the same so that generations to come will be better! Not to just say that “Oh God! God just come now. He’s coming soon. The trumpets are on their way. GET READY!…” but rather take the shift to instead say -- how can we bring heaven on earth NOW and be a light to action change centered around love, reconciliation, responsibility and empathy?

It’s not enough to dislike racism, YOU and I need to work towards Anti-Racism.

Lastly, I pray that if your ego and own deep biases may be covering you right now and you’ve chosen to focus on the negative or conspiracy ideas…. that your heart softens for empathy and wisdom. I’ve prayed this over myself as well and have made the decision to be and DO better. I pray that you be inspired to learn and grow each day and do the homework yourself while keeping the focus on amplifying Black voices and lives. Let’s normalize that even if you turned a blind eye before or believed the lie that you can’t grow anymore or that “you’ve done your part” … that you can be presented and open to new information to start today and vow to be better and grow everyday here on out.

RESOURCES

Here are some resources I’ve found helpful as a STARTING point. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @erikasanchezkerr as I’ve used that platform to create some highlights for more resources and have amplified Black voices. In hope to further dive into racism, biases and more! In the highlights you will find where to donate, educational terms and resources in general that have helped further communicate what is going on. I hope you use those resources and plan long term action.

Centralized list for all things #BLM: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

Movies/Docs/Shows:

13th Documentary (Netflix) – this should be mandatory in schools!

When They See Us (Netflix)

When They See Us Panel (Netflix) – Panel hosted by Oprah Winfrey with Ava Duvernay (director/writer), producers, actors and the exonerated Central Park 5 men themselves.

Selma (Youtube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu)

Just Mercy (Youtube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu)

LA 92 (Netflix)

Dear White People (Netflix)

Becoming (Netflix)