We are it.

For anyone who needs to hear this...

If you are trying, you are doing more than you can imagine.

You see, the system is just made up of us. It is not some outside force to fight. It is simply the interactions we share, with the people around us.

If you want to take a stand against systemic oppression, then first change yourself & the people around you.

Don't condemn police; befriend them and show them a better way to interact with people of color. Laws still need to be changed and people need to be held responsible, but you can change things from the inside.

If you get enough people around you to just treat each other better, then the "system" shifts along with you.

I've seen it everywhere that "just being kind" won't change anything. It's not "just being kind" though. It is about teaching a better way through example.

You can go scream at cops who are mishandling situations or you can CREATE a new paradigm by teaching.

An example to explain: it doesn't matter if a stores policy is racist. (still needs to be changed though) It matters if you, the worker, are creating displays that support all ethnicity. It matters that you, as the cashier, treat everyone fairly. Because, again, the system is made up of us.

It's us. The nobody's who do small things everyday are changing things. You control more than you realize!!

I'm not saying we shouldn't address the bigger influences. I'm just saying that there is more power in the everyday kindness than we are acknowledging.

You know how Hitler came to power? He influenced the people's mindsets around him first. He didn't go shoot down the leader, or burn down Germany; he snaked into people's minds.

We can use that power for good!

I know I am the most privileged person right now, as a white male. BUT I believe in the power of people! I believe in the power of kindness & interaction. I believe in the power of teaching.

This is not a time to create more divides. It is a time to open things up more than ever, and come together. Don't label someone complacent for not "speaking up." Encourage what they do everyday that is making a positive change for people of color. Honor what they do bring to the table.

The world is you. The world is you & me. You don't have to be a soldier in some army. You are enough change in the little things you do for people of color.

All mountains erode eventually. We are the waves and the wind.

If you disagree with any of this, discuss it with me. Do not tear me down and dismiss my values.

Thank you for listening.