“I won’t ever be able to see things from your eyes, but I can sure stand with you.”

That’s what I told my boyfriend days ago when the recent protests for black equality began. I find it extremely saddening that 1) protests for black equality have to exist and 2) I had to use the word “recent” in front of “protests for black equality”. I’ve never involved myself in politics or anything related, but this is not a political issue. This is a human rights issue. I will stand with my black and brown friends, coworkers, peers, family, and every single person of color. Whether you think so or not, black lives matter. Black lives have always mattered.

Growing up, and still to this day, I live life more comfortably than some of peers and family. Thanks to the hard work my parents put in, I’ve had an easy life. I’ve never had to worry about my next meal, where I’d be staying for the night, or even what school district I’d be in next. When I was having a rough day I was always reminded of these things; “at least you have food”, “think about everything you have”, and “be thankful you have loving parents”. From before I can remember to now, I recognize my privilege as a white, American female.

It doesn’t just stop at my home life. I’ve never been pulled over for speeding- the cop simply warned me with a hand gesture. I’ve never been accused of stealing- the associates are overly kind to me. I’ve never been sexualized because of the color of my skin- my black and brown sisters have. I’ve never been denied education- my black and brown brothers and sisters have. I recognize my privilege for being able to go about my normal business in the general public. This is where the change needs to be made. Every black and brown human being needs to be made to feel comfortable; comfortable enough to live life in public, to be given a warning without violence when speeding, to be given the education they so rightfully deserve because they are human.

Protests for black equality have been around far too long, and they will stay so long as equality is not met. Peaceful protests have turned into riots because remaining quiet gets no attention. Have you asked yourself why this is? Protests that begin peaceful take a turn because of violent instigators. There are videos surfacing of police officers starting unnecessary violence, and there are also the same for protestors. This is not to say that all cops are bad, but it’s also not saying that all protestors are there for the right reasons. In fact, a group of protestors were asked to flip a truck by a live streamer. These protestors were mainly of color and being recorded. The influencer was instantly shut down because he was there for the wrong reasons.

However, when violence begins, it seems to be a common trend that police force escalates it. Why should peaceful protestors back down when violence occurs? Why should protestors back down from fighting for human equality when the violence escalates? These are the questions you need to be asking yourself. The fight- my fight- for black equality will stop for nothing until black equality exists.

Seeing as the recent protests have turned violent, protesting may not be for everyone. That’s okay, and you can still support the black community. Create signs for fellow protestors, provide PPE, donate to bail out arrestees, support black owned businesses, and most importantly, use your privilege to protect our black and brown humans. Recognize your privilege, educate about privilege.

I stand with my black and brown brothers and sisters. I stand with my friends, my coworkers, my boyfriend, our family and every single black and brown human.

Your lives matter. Your lives have always mattered.