Before I start, I want to be completely honest. I was very apprehensive about writing this article. The main reason being I want to make sure I clearly communicate my thoughts, and also be sensitive to the events that have taken place and the people that have been affected by them. I am writing this article for two reasons:

First, I am a little tired of seeing the lack of support coming from the Hispanic community. So, I am going to speak to my fellow Latinos and Hispanics for a bit. We know what it feels like to be stereotyped, to be ridiculed, to be labeled and even to not be wanted in this country. We may not share the identical experiences or struggles as our Black brothers and sisters, but can at least relate to some. We are people who take pride in our culture and traditions. We are people who support each other. We are people who should stand with those we see being oppressed and with those who are grieving.

Second, I am tired of my own apathy. I realized that I was aware of the Black Lives Matter Movement simply because of what I read on Facebook or saw on the news. I had never taken the time to keep myself informed. With the recent tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, something in me changed. I saw the horrific video of Alton Sterling being shot, and just sat in tears as I watched. Crying for the life that was lost, but also for his family and loved ones who now mourn his death. It deeply saddens me that sometimes it takes something so cruel and ugly to wake us up.

I realize there is a lot of controversy regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement, and frankly, I do not quite understand it. I do not see the problem or issue with proclaiming that Black lives matter. I know that some say it is exclusive and that it minimizes the importance of other lives, but I think it is obvious that all lives matter. That is not something that can be debated. However, at this moment, Black lives are the ones that are being threatened. They are literally afraid for their lives. Can you imagine living your life like that? Never fully feeling safe or secure.

When we do anything less than acknowledge the value of a person, we strip them of their humanity. When we look at deaths like Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner or Bettie Jones (just to name a few,) and think to ourselves “Well, they probably have criminal records, or they probably brought it on themselves,” we are literally diminishing who they are as human beings. If we think “Oh, Black Lives do matter…But,” then we have not fully acknowledged the worth of who they are as individuals.

With all that being said, I want to say a few words to my Black sisters and brothers.

I stand with you.

I am sorry for not taking a stand with you sooner.

I grieve with you.

I cannot say I know exactly how you feel.

I want to hear your stories and experiences.

I want to learn from you.

I wish that I could take some of your pain, because I know it must be heavy to bear.

I want to continue to support you on this journey.