I remember being in elementary school and learning about the segregation in the 1900’s (not even to mention slavery), and then later about the Holocaust. In both situations as young as I was, I was horrified by these events and knew that if I were alive back then and even if it went against not only the social norm but was illegal; I would do everything in my power to make a change and stand up for what is right. But history repeats itself. Here we are 60 years later facing and fighting the same issue of racism.
From the perspective of a 23-year-old white woman and growing up where I did. Having not only African American friends, but minorities in general, I witnessed racism firsthand from a young age all the way up until the present day. However, I have never had to endure racism and am very much aware of the white privilege that I do have. I have every intention to use that “privilege” and my voice for those who are not heard or no longer have one. On May 30, 2020, five days after the death of George Floyd, I attended a peaceful protest in my hometown of Dallas, Texas. Where I have personally lost multiple friends and peers by this very police department. It was a peaceful protest and we started by walking the streets of Dallas as cars started honking and cheering us on, some even having their own signs on their car. I was happy to see not only the overall turnout in numbers but how many white people as well as other minorities, on top of the black community. We got there around 1:30 and walked the streets and stood in front of Dallas City Hall, peacefully protesting. Around 4 is when things started to get violent, not by the protestors, but the police. They came out of their cars with shields, guns with rubber bullets and handcuffs as well as zip ties, ready to arrest everyone for absolutely no reason. In the beginning, when everything was peaceful, we had about two different leaders, when things got violent with the police, there became a black leader and a white leader. The police had already tear gassed us twice and things were getting bad as they started to approach us and circle us in as we could tell, the leaders announcing when they were scheming and putting on extra gear. The white leader ordered all of the non-black protestors, specifically the white people to stand in the very front and build a shield to protect the people in the back and since apparently the police see people not of color as a threat, that was our safest bet of standing our ground on our peaceful protest without backing down and knowing our rights. In that moment, when I realized that it was vital there were not only all races but specifically white; I started to cry because not only did I realize it wouldn’t have been taken as seriously if there was not a diverse group there, but because black people should not have to protest to save their own lives, it is our duty as humanity to stand up and use our voice to put an end to police brutality. The police would give us a “two second warning”, more like 1 second warning before they would start shooting and tear gassing everyone. Luckily a lot of people were prepared, but it was so beautiful to see such a sense of community, everyone I met was coming from a place of love. I was truly honored and humbled to be a part of this, but it does not end here. I have always been conscious of this issue but the protests I have gone to in the last week or two have really opened my eyes that we cannot stop the fight until justice is served and changes are made. I have every intention to use my voice for those who are not heard, and those who no longer have one.
