Words are an essential part of my existence. But how do I put into words the pain and suffering that Black people all around the world are experiencing? Not just today, but every day before today? As a poet, it’s not often that words evade me. It’s rare that I can’t begin to find words to describe the world we live in, how I feel living in it or the hurt I feel seeing so many in pain.
But the truth is that words simply aren’t enough. They’ve never been enough, nor will they ever be. Words may instil hope or provide comfort, but without action they will never begin to dismantle our broken system or change the hearts of those around us. For every way that love is a feeling, it is also a movement. Love can be gentle and unassuming but it can also be fierce and abiding. Right now, we must be all of these things.
Speaking out matters, but nothing replaces action. My team and I stand with you and we are listening. We will continue to educate ourselves and I will keep sharing information, petitions and other ways you can get and stay involved. There are a number of great organizations and outlets to give donations to and we encourage you to do your own research to find one that speaks to you.
Today our team has chosen The Loveland Foundation, founded by Rachel Cargle to provide therapy and healing resources to communities of color with a focus on Black women and girls. I encourage you to visit www.thelovelandfoundation.org to donate or find out about other ways you can get involved with the crucial work they are doing.
Additionally, we will be donating 100% of all profits from our Stay Wild Face Masks to Black Lives Matter and Color of Change from now through June 20th. Together we can create lasting change for the world we live in. But that change must begin at the very core of each and every one of us. I could live the rest of my life and never find all of the right words or the most eloquent prose, but what I do know is this: Black Lives Matter.
