Society raised us to speak up and be heard…unless it’s a controversial subject, that is. Yes, we were taught to speak up but as time progresses and situations worsen, we’re being shouted at to shut up.

Shut up, no one cares about your skin. Shut up, no one cares about your hair. Shut up, no one cares about your parents being deported. Shut up, no one cares about your faith. Shut up, shut up, shut up… unless you want to talk about fluff.

Now, I’m usually social media silent on issues like police brutality because it’s disheartening and my website isn’t a platform for politics. However, having a heart isn’t political.

By now, we all know about what happened to Alton Sterling. Yes, yet another case where a Black man’s life was taken because it wasn’t deemed worthy enough.

Obviously, this isn’t the first time America has experienced this. It’s deeply ingrained in our history and is more so prevalent today, due to the exposure of social media. With each tragic death, a sense of hopelessness is fed within the Black community.

“What can I do?” I’ve been seeing questions like this all day. Honestly, the answer we’re all seeking will never be good enough to satisfy us, nor make up for the lives that were lost so senselessly.

But I’m here to tell you that we’re not hopeless and that we can do something amongst ourselves.

1. Don’t Become Numb

It’s easy to become desensitized. But, we were created to feel. To mourn when others mourn. To empathize. To just be.

Each life lost is a reason for your heart to beat that much more. There’s purpose for you even in senseless acts like this.

2. Have the Conversation With Your Loved Ones

Put down your phone for a second. Look at your family around you and talk! It is extremely crucial to converse with them when tragedy hits. How do they feel? What are their thoughts? It doesn’t matter if you wholly agree with them or not, it is cathartic to express yourself with loved ones.

My brother is rather playful. He respects authority but he is also inquisitive. He’s the type of man who would persistently ask what he did wrong, had he been pulled over. I was sure to have the conversation with him because although he may know his rights, there will be those who aim to squander them, as if they never existed in the first place. It’s more than unfortunate that he must subdue who he is to avoid any harm.

Believe me when I say that I know that every police officer isn’t bad. But do we, as a nation, know that? We live in a society where it’s not just “f the police” with our mouths, but with our actions. That kind of mindset will only breed retaliation. Teach your sons that just because authority may not respect you, doesn’t mean you can disrespect them. Nothing ever justifies killing an innocent man, but the heartbreaking reality is that there are some police out here doing just that. Criminal record or saint, Black lives aren’t valued.

Do what you can by understanding your father, your brother, cousin or boyfriend. But also have them understand that this world is way tougher for them than anyone else. And no…it shouldn’t be.

3. Show Love

A. Demonstrate your love for the men in your life.

As mentioned, America can be a suffocating place for the Black man, whether it be in the work place or on the streets. Fill up their chagrined hearts by supporting them and speaking life into them.

Love on them, people!

B. Repel Ignorance

If we sit around hopeless and complacent, there’s no way a change can be made. The stories are horribly saddening, but embrace each one. Learn about what’s going on around you.

Ignoring it won’t make things better. And it sure won’t make this all stop.

Retaliating in hate won’t either. We all must learn that racism is more than skin deep. It’s a spiritual fight that holds this country in bondage. Your enemy is not White people! It’s not even against flesh and blood.

Wake up.

C. Use Your Platform and SPEAK UP!

One thing that blows my mind is the crickets we hear from celebrities when horrendous crimes like these occur. I’m not speaking for all but why is it that we are quick to hear of the “latest beef” or self-promotion, before hearing them speak up about yet another life lost to police brutality?

In particular, I’m talking about Black celebrities. Is this not your own kind? Don’t you realize the power in your platform? It isn’t enough to just tweet. What are you doing behind the scenes with all that money, all that presence, all that voice?!

And White Christian leaders, you must speak up as well! Our faith calls for togetherness, to speak up for those hurt, and to love love love. Yes, Christ handles our injustices but how about playing your part in conjunction with Him playing His? The Christian cause transcends race.

As for you…

You don’t need a blog, if that’s not your thing. However, you do have social media and the mere fact of you having a mouth qualifies as a platform, too. Use it.

Speak loud and speak continuously.

As much as I respect Jesse Williams’ and as much as I applaud him for speaking up about police brutality and systematic racism, it wasn’t going to end anything.

Why?

Because we all have a part to play. If history is replaying itself, let us get up and march. Every single voice matters and injustice should push us to lift all of ours. Not to spew hatred. But to speak life, to pray and to honor our brothers and sisters.

Use your gift to uplift. Use it to drive awareness. Songwriter, spread knowledge through your lyrics. Orator, call for a movement. Those in the faith, pray. There is the most power through prayer!

Speak up together. That includes action. Let’s be loud enough to not just be heard, but for all to listen.

Now ask yourself, “What am I doing?”