While our nation is continued to reel from the Covid19 virus, on May 25th, we saw another loss: a Minneapolis police officer was killed an unarmed, non-resisting black man named George Floyd on camera during an arrest.
The video and story soon went viral. People worldwide grieved. They shared their anger and demanded racial justice in the weeks that followed, in Minneapolis, and in cities around the world. It’s right that they should. George Floyd’s murder is one of a long line of murders of black Americans at the hands of police, and these murders must END.
Like many of you, when I read about Mr. Floyd, added too many other similar stories, something broke within me. I had voted for candidates who supported peace, shared my thoughts with local leaders, and lived my personal life in a way to promote equality and respect for all I meet, but that is simply not enough. Not by far, and as of May 25th, I am DONE waiting patiently for small, incremental change. I am done making small change. I know many of you are, too.
We at Sunflower Espresso are re-doubling our commitment to racial equality: in hiring, serving, through donations, and through the service providers we use. We’re actively looking for causes that support and uplift our black community. (Contact us if you have an opportunity to share.) I’ve taken a few weeks to listen more to protestors, local black leaders, and to research intentional ways to make our business a welcoming enterprise for everyone. This is more than hashtag activism; it’s a long and worthwhile journey.
In my personal life, I am finding ways to listen to black stories, to support causes that improve racial equality, and to work toward being anti-racist, not non-racist.
I welcome your ideas and input when it comes to accomplishing these aims. Black Lives Matter.
Kate
