We are writing because it has been brought to our attention that we have offended some of our Warwick neighbors by the signs we have recently placed on our lawn. Those signs say:
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Can we talk? There seems to be a misunderstanding.
Our intention in posting those signs is not to offend anyone or to be divisive. In fact, our intention is quite the opposite.
Our intention is to open the dialogue with the hope that such dialogue will lead to our collective support of our Black neighbors and fellow Americans.
Perhaps, too, there is a misunderstanding about what Black Lives Matter is and what this movement stands for.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an “international activist movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism toward black people.” From BLM’s website: “Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and supported.”
Can we talk? It is time to open this dialogue and to have the tough conversations that need to be had. It is high time for change.
I have decided that I need to get past my discomfort, my shame, my white privilege, my white fragility and whatever else I have yet to discover has previously held me back from doing my part and becoming part of the solution.
If I do not become part of the solution, then I will continue to be part of the problem.
That’s a tough one to face: I am part of the problem.
It certainly seems to us that we are not the only ones who have finally come to the realization that it is not enough to not be racist. We need to be anti-racist. And so we start this journey of learning how to be allies to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color). Want to join us?
Racism, social injustice and violence against BIPOC is a problem in this country. And racism is even a problem in our beautiful little Warwick as evidenced by Sabrina Jennings’ honest and graceful letter shared with us a few weeks ago. (Hi, Sabrina. My name is Barb Hyde. It’s nice to meet you, too.)
As our mayor shared in the June 8th “From the Mayor’s office - Awakening” post: “Hate grows when it is left unattended, in fact, it is as deadly as any virus. In the same spirit of solidarity that we have shown during this health crisis, let us do the same to change systemic racism, social injustice, and brutality. The hard work is ahead, and we can only do this together.”
Let’s do this together. It’s time. Let’s talk.
Barb and Bob Hyde
Warwick