“An America that looks away is ignoring not just the sins of the past, but the sins of the present and the certain sins of the future.” Ta-Nehisi Coates

2017 is coming to an end. i have lots of thoughts, images and artwork to share in my time spent away from this space. but i would to remiss not to address the ongoing madness in my country.

as a white woman, my feelings pale in comparison to those of people of color. people who have been long ignored, spoken for and over, harmed and killed. my heart hurts for this country, and this world. my heart aches for the brown bodies that have been and continue to be killed by the hands of white people and in the name of white supremacy.

we, as white people, directly benefit from white privilege daily. yes you may face other struggles throughout your life, and for that i wish you healing and love. but none of those issues give you the right to withhold love, healing, peace, social and political advancement and the right to live for people of color. if you are confused on this, i welcome your dialogue.

i’ve had to check my own privilege and prejudices more times than i’d like to admit. i’ve had to unlearn and learn how to trust myself, and live my life lead by my compassionate heart. there is no excuse for white people to perpetuate white supremacy anymore. i don’t care if your parents are racist and raised you with such values. there are no excuses.

if you are not actively working to dismantle systems of oppression, you are upholding them.

*image by carissa gallo