My heart has been heavy for weeks as I’ve been trying to process the injustices happening to the Black community; the profound inequity and racism. Sadly, none of this is new. Racism is still very much alive in our communities and our daily lived experiences. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and hundreds of others are not. 

…

This is my attempt to create space for understanding and dialogue; for communities to come together and be allies, accomplices and advocates. I am holding up the mirror, to come to terms with my identity and want to have a tangible way of contributing to dismantling structural racism. I realized I need to not only listen and learn, but unlearn so many deeply rooted, systemic beliefs that were imparted onto me from the generations before me. 

…

What I need to unlearn: The systemic views that were inherently racist… 

…

What I need to learn: Culturally, I was not equipped to deal with racism… 

…

What I am committing to: I need to take responsibility for my contribution to White Privilege…

…

We must evolve. We must do better – and it needs to start within ourselves… 

I am unapologetic for my culture, skin tone and hair colour. I am not sorry if you feel uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable is the 1st step to learning and changing to allow us to be our authentic selves and build a more just and equitable world.

…