The country is still on fire
The police killings of Black people paired with antiracist uprisings have exploded like a powder keg. We are watching and listening, reaching out, and finding ways to support our Black, Native and Brown friends and cohorts.
Enter Black Stories: Kiara Reed and I put our heads together to highlight the Black Stories we all need to hear. With the country listening in a way it has never done before, Black Stories aims to highlight the local stories, from people you know and love in our community, to create empathy, understanding and ultimately – change.
We acknowledge that asking Black people to share their stories and relive these traumas—again—when, for so long they were disregarded, ignored or unvalidated, is not an easy ask nor should it be taken lightly. We wholeheartedly thank each of the participants in these recordings that they are sharing. They are part of the change and their bold stories should make us think deeper. Thank you!
In listening to these Black Stories, we hope you will also do the necessary work of leaning into your own bias and learn and grow in your understanding and struggle of every Black person you know – you will learn about other bias’ you have along the journey and be able to address them in a healthier way, too. The closer you get and the more empathy you each bring the quicker the change will be. We want to share Black stories that might make you think about your part in building a better and more diverse community where we all work together to create change.
Change starts from within. Are you willing to do the work?
Tina Reynold and Kiara Reed
