Figuring out my emotions and controlling them during this time has been very difficult. I'm sad, which then turns into rage, which then turns into confusion. By the time that I calm down, the cycle starts all over again.

I am sad and hurt for my little brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and all the little Black girls and boys who I don't even know.

I am sad that they have to grow up in this world, and that they have to learn about police brutality and the injustices of this world at their age when their white counterparts are living in their privilege.

I am angry because every day I see a new hashtag or video about a Black woman or man being killed at the hands of a racist police officer.

I am confused because I don't understand why it is so hard for people to value Black lives, and to understand that all lives don't matter unless Black lives matter.

To my fellow Black brothers and sisters, know that we are in this fight together.

I need us all to take care of ourselves. You cannot pour into someone else's bucket if yours is empty. Your mental health matters. It is OK to unplug for a day so that you are not constantly going through the cycle of emotions. It is OK to not reply to text messages and emails if you aren't in the right space mentally to deal with it all. It is OK to not educate the white person who is in your DMs trying to argue about why they are not racist because that can be draining.

Please know that I love each and every one of you.

We are united in the fight for justice, and in the pain that we share. Remember that your mental health is the most important thing. Always take care of yourself and make sure that your bucket is full before you try to fill someone else's. Your Black life matters, and your Black mind matters.