There are no human words that can fully express what we are experiencing right now. The language of our spirits emotes a different response than mere words can represent.
Our emotions are shifting from moment to moment as things unfold; as we see what we see and hear what we hear.
We grieve, we hurt, we cry, we are angry.
We wonder, we question, we are confused.
In all of it, we are here in it.
We are each choosing a path of action: protesting, standing, writing, showing up.
Showing up for each other, with each other, for each other.
We are here, together. We are advocating for change from our different spaces and corners of the world.
We respond to senseless murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and so many before them. Their Black Lives Matter.
We respond to the harassment of people of color as they live, move, breathe and exist – as they do ordinary things but face extraordinary hate.
We seek justice for all.
Our hearts go out to all the families who have lost their loved ones.
To those who have been hurt and those who feel the hurt of many.
We see you. And many of us are you.
AND.
We are strong.
We are resilient.
We are powerful.
We recognize the importance of parent voice and the power of parent leadership.
Our world has been turned upside down again, but we want to be here with you to turn it right side up.
Racism is a disease, COVID 19 is a disease. They are both global pandemics.
This is not the time to be silent.
This is not the time to shrink.
This is the time to show up.
We believe in freedom.
We advocate for the necessary equity changes in our democracy.
We encourage you to use what you are feeling to fuel your civic leadership and action.
This is how we can continue to move from peaceful protest, to public policy and system change to equitable practice.
Peace & Love,
Donna, Patti, Carolyn, Zulema, Jennifer & Melvette
NPLI Team #Striving Anti-Racists
