This is my favorite shot from the protests I've attended in Sacramento. The community, passion and love was so beautiful and I am proud to say I participated in these peaceful protest. I have spent the past couple of weeks educating myself and sharing that knowledge with those around me. I fear the systems put in place that select who will be an authoritative and protective figure to the people. Someone with even a microscopic cell resembling a racist should never be considered for a position of power. One bad cop is one too many. I have faith that systematic and systemic racism will end one day, but I am simultaneously confused as to why this is still an issue in 2020. I vividly remember learning about the civil rights movement in elementary school and feeling a slew of emotions, but above all I felt gratitude towards those who took a stand to reform, to educate, and to fight for rights that this country supposedly made equal for everyone. All of the pain that they endured so I could grow up and have a fair chance and not fear for my life. Milestones were made, but now, we must continue to carry on that responsibility until black people are treated with dignity. Countless innocent Black people are murdered at the hands of police officers with hatred in their hearts. Being Black is not a choice. Being a police officer is, and if you chose to be one, remember your job is to protect and serve ALL people of this nation. If you can't do that, please choose a different career. This movement has taught me many things, but by opening up conversations about it, it definitely showed me the true colors of so many people. Which is the perfect opportunity to educate, debate and use your voice. Black lives matter, and future generations will know that we and those before us fought so that they never have to fear their own existence.This is not a trend. This not yesterday's news. This is an issue that we will unfortunately have to continue to battle for years to come but nothing will change if we don't use voice. However you chose to spread awareness, you are making a monumental difference.
#BLM