There are so many things I want to say about the tragic events in the news this last week. I want to speak out against injustice. I want to call out police brutality. I question why these things happen in our world. I want racism to come to an end. I want to make a change. Yet in the midst of wanting to speak up, I have no words explaining how much my soul aches for those involved. My heart breaks because for too many people this is not just a news story, but a horrific reality they are forced to face. As a white person, it is easy to ignore issues like this. With my race comes privilege. Because I am white, I do not have to worry about the color of my skin. Because I am white, I will never be followed in a convenience store. Racial profiling will never happen to me. I mean obviously a white person would never steal anything, right? Because I am white, jobs won't discriminate against me. Because I am white, people do not expect me to represent the thoughts of my entire race. Because I am white, I do not have to live in fear of being killed by the police. These are just some of the many many forms of white privilege. And it is for these reasons that we all need to come together and claim that black lives matter.

This commonly used phrase and hashtag (#blacklivesmatter) is one that has made appearances all over social media, especially after instances of police brutality toward the black community like the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile last week. It is one that is far too often combated with the phrase "all lives matter". Obviously, all lives matter. Most human beings believe this to be true. But the majority of the time, our society does not act that way. There are countless examples of white privilege in our nation. It is not just some coincidence that both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were black. Institutional racism remains prominent in our country. White people will never have the same experience of being discriminated against on the basis of race because they are in the majority. In our nation, power is held within the hands of white people. And because we have power, we are able to oppress others. Essentially, racism is prejudice plus power. Reverse racism does not exist because minority groups do not have the same sense of power necessary in order for this to happen. Yes, white lives matter. But this is not something that is necessary to promote because it is abundantly clear in our society that the lives of white people matter. Yes, all lives matter. They really do. But again, this is not a phrase we need to be saying, because not all lives are being oppressed. Saying that all lives matter assumes that people who say black lives matter are dismissing the importance of other lives. This is not the case. By saying that black lives matter, what is really being said is that black lives matter too. It is not neglecting to realize the significance of all other people, but serving as a reminder that black lives are equally as important as white lives. By saying that all lives matter, we dismiss the race problem at hand. "Yeah black lives matter but really all lives matter". "Yes your life matters but so does mine. All lives matter". Statements like these just get us back to where we started. Although it slightly acknowledges race and the lives of black people, the phrase has a tendency to ignore where the real issue is. Informing others that all lives matter takes the focus off of the black lives, the ones that are truly hurting in an attempt to make clear that other people matter too- a fact that is clear in our society.

By saying black lives matter, we raise awareness to how black lives are far too often treated as less important, sometimes even as disposable. By saying black lives matter, we uplift those in the black community, we show our support and solidarity. By saying that black lives matter, we recognize that this group of people has been oppressed and treated unfairly throughout our nation's history, and we are making a call for change.

But real change won't happen with a Facebook status or a tweet claiming that #blacklivesmatter. It isn't that easy. In order to spark real change and to see results, we need to turn off our screens and step out into the real world, with the same strong message. Making your thoughts heard online is a good place to start, but it shouldn't end there. Don't let social media satisfy your urge to do something. You can do so much more! There are additional things you can do, most of which that are relatively simple in order to promote justice for black lives and to help bring an end to racism. First of all, leave behind the racist jokes and comments. They are not funny and never will be. Next, be sure to check your privilege. Because white privilege is so prominent, oftentimes we don't even realize we are experiencing it. Our privilege creates a bias and gives a lens through which we see the world. Take note of when these things happen. Be aware of your privilege and how it impacts your view. Try to see things at face value. Keep in mind the racial stereotypes that are often found in the media, and that those sharing have altered perspectives because of their privilege as well. Don't buy in to the stereotypes. After you leave the jokes behind and are aware of your privilege, take a closer look at the world around you. When you see injustice, speak up. Not only on social media but in person as well. Spark conversation with friends about the recent shootings, police brutality, black lives matter, etc. They may be difficult conversations, but they are important ones to have. Share thoughts and ideas. Help one another understand. Spread knowledge with each other and beyond. Once you feel educated enough, reach out to more people in your life. If they are not already aware, help them comprehend these racial issues that are going on, the unnecessary police brutality, and why the shootings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and so many others were unjust. Help them grasp what white privilege is. You can also attend or even organize events of your own. Attend a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally. Host a discussion group. Go to a prayer vigil. Listen to a speaker on a related issue. Read a book on the topic. Honestly, just engage in anything you can. And if your community seems to have little engagement, don't be afraid to start an event of your own. You have the ability to take action. You can make a change. However you may go about promoting racial justice, best of luck. And always remember that #blacklivesmatter.