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I never imagined anything could be worse than living in a world gripped by a killer virus.
But I was wrong. These past weeks have been a continuous loop playing out of horrific killings of black men in violent take-downs. I am shaken to the core. How many times do we have to say Enough! I don’t want a world of hate and injustice. I am not proud of a nation where peaceful protesters are pummeled by tear gas and rubber bullets. And I struggle … Me. A middle-aged, white women from a middle-class family. Part of the #MeToo movement, so I know about harassment and abuse of power. But I have never been denied or threatened because of the color of my skin. How can I make a difference? What if I speak out and say something wrong? My super power since fourth grade has been writing. So, I write. Sending my words into cyberspace that express my frustration and wish for a better tomorrow. Sharing wisdom from one of my favorite American history teachers, my brother, Coach Steve. Praying our words are a first step for listening, understanding and joining with others to create a powerhouse for change. 
Photo by 30daysreplay (PR & Marketing) - Social Media Beratung on Unsplash
Looking Up
by Cat Michaels There is good in our world. There is hope in our world. There is kindness in our world. But there also must be justice and dignity for everyone in our world. Let's keep looking up to find that goodness. Together. Stamp out hatred. Together. Stop senseless violence against people whose eyes have different shapes, whose skin has darker hues. Together. No finger-pointing. No blame game. Work to change a nation. Together. Now, please. Together! Gotta be NOW!
The second in our three-generation family of educators, my brother “Nunz” teaches history in a culturally diverse high school in an urban Connecticut city. He has also coached sports during his 30 years in education, working with kids of all ages, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. I share his wisdom for these times, a good place to start.
Here For You
A White Person's Promise by Coach Steve 
Your Turn
What can you do in your circle of influence to start the change? Please share your positive thoughts for looking up in the comments. 
14 Comments
6/5/2020 11:20:16 am
Heartbreaking times. My spirituality has never been more important to me during these tumultuous times. God is not partial and Jesus taught us to love everyone regardless of race. In my volunteer work, I try to spread the word. I loved your brother’s words in his poem. True, we, as white people, cannot fully understand the black experience but we can listen and we can show compassion.
Cat Michaels
6/5/2020 01:44:08 pm
Thanks, Julie, We need to spread compassion and understanding now more than ever. I applaud your volunteer work! 6/8/2020 08:36:48 am
Beautiful poem by your brother.
Cat Michaels
6/8/2020 01:31:23 pm
Rosie, you bring up another historic era era. I believe social justice has improved since the 1960s, but I also feel it has a long way to go in 21st century I have confidence in the class of 2020 and other young people to make that happen.
Cat Michaels
6/9/2020 08:20:47 am
Thank you. Trying to find my voice to add my support, Kim, following my brother, who has found his.
Cat Michaels
6/9/2020 08:22:08 am
Now the challenge is to turn words into peaceful actions, Anita. 6/9/2020 03:43:50 am
Perfect words from your brother indeed. I too, was shocked watching the events unfold from afar. I have spent my years as an educator and a mother teaching kids that we are all equal, never to judge someones by the colour of their of skin. I hope the next generation is more tolerant than ours.
Cat Michaels
6/9/2020 08:30:05 am
I absolutely have confidence that the class of 2020 generation will be the catalyst for change. I also see the issue as an epic systemic failure of all parts of the judicial system that’s fueled by the intolerance of a small segment in power.
Rebecca Lyndsey
6/9/2020 03:49:31 pm
You have a way with words Cat! Both were beautiful poems. It is heartbreaking what is going on. Evil seems to be taking over more and more. We need more good.
Cat Michaels
6/10/2020 07:39:08 am
Images that flash on my news feed make my heart sick, Rebecca, and they are just the latest in a long history if injustices. I am hopeful a new generation of change-makers will shake up our broken systems. 6/11/2020 08:13:50 am
I struggle with the exact same thing Cat. My heart bleeds for what's happening, not just in the States, but here in South Africa too, where on a daily basis our black brothers and friends are being terrorized and victimized by the police (who in many instances happen to be black too). I have so many questions but one thing is for sure, it doesn't matter what the color of your skin is, you matter and you are important.
Cat Michaels
6/11/2020 01:09:20 pm
Michelle,this is truly a global issue, so I especially appreciate your perspective from another part of the world and your openness about your struggle. I don’t know where it will end, but I am hopeful and cannot wait, as you observed, for everyone is to be valued. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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