It is Thursday, August 24, 2017, as I write this.

Just 12 days ago, Saturday, August 12, a white nationalist rally took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Just in case you have not heard by now.)

There is a group of people in American society who still fail to believe that racism still exists, and conveniently ignore the unjustified deaths of African American citizens, who fail to denounce Nazi rallies, and refuse to get behind the Black Lives Matter movement. At some points, it baffles me that white supremacy is still ever prevalent in our society; but then I am reminded of all of the innocent black brothers and sisters that we have lost, and I realize that we have not made as much progress from the 60's as I would have hoped.

I have recently finished reading JustMercy, a compelling book about the racial and economic biases that plague our society that is highlighted in our justice system. Not only did it enlighten me to the true inequality within our system, but it opened my eyes to the idea that black lives matter.. at all times. Not just when an innocent man or woman dies. Not just when a police officer abuses his powers against the African American community. And certainly not just when the incarceration rate of African American citizens is five times that of white citizens.

We live in a society that is becoming culturally and ethnically more diverse, yet the prejudices against minorities still exist. There is still so much work to do within our communities; that change starts with us. That change starts with an open mindset. That change starts with an open, respectful dialogue. That change starts with accepting the reality of the situation.

Black lives matter at all times.

Not when it is convenient to follow the trend. Not when it "looks cool" to support your black friends. But because it truly matters.

When an African American loses their life to an injustice in our system or the unfairness of the prejudices in our society, we all lose.

Sandra Bland. Trayvon Martin. Alton Sterling. Michael Brown. Samuel DuBose. Tamir Rice. Philando Castile. Freddie Gray. Walter Scott. Laquan McDonald. Eric Garner. Bettie Jones. And much more.

We WILL say your names. We will not forget you.