I am finally getting around to writing my thoughts down about the current Black Lives Matter movement. To skip the tl;dr, I and this blog support Black Lives Matter. I have no interested in debating what is essentially basic human rights, if you disagree please kindly show yourself the door.

George Floyd was murdered by the police. He is one of many people who have been murdered by the police. Police officers who have murdered black people simply do not face consequences, and go on to terrorize and hurt more people. This needs to stop. We need to stop militarizing the police, we need to demand better training for police officers, and we to hold our officers accountable. (I have thought on this long and hard and I don’t think this goes far enough. Abolishing the police is really the only answer.) In my profession in the hospital there are consequences for us inflicting harm on a patient. The fact that police have weapons and less accountability then the people I work with is wrong.

Police Departments are disproportionately targeting black people. This is a national crisis. The lack of response by the people in Washington is unacceptable, and I will call my representatives and demand change.

I support the protesters. I think they’re right. Unfortunately due to my health conditions, I cannot go out and protest, but I am doing whatever I can to send money and supplies to those who need it. I will support those on the front lines in any way I can. And while a majority of the protesters are peaceful, I also think black lives are more important then property, so if destruction of property happens, so be it.

Now here’s the honest truth. I am white as fuck. I do not have black friends. I do not know what it truly means to be black in America, or what it means to be a good ally. But I am committed to learning. I am going to read articles and literature. I am going to strive to be better. I am self-centered, but I will learn to understand when I need to shut the fuck up and let black voices speak instead.

While I’m not the best at updating my blog, I am also going to focus on highlighting projects from black people that I think look cool whenever I can.

This is my statement. The time to complacent is over. Change needs to happen.

To finish this off, here’s a link of petitions, fundraisers etc to consider supporting. I’m particularly fond of the Columbus Freedom Fund which pays the bail for those arrested protesting in Columbus.

THIS BLOG SUPPORTS BLACK LIVES MATTER~ NO IFS ANDS OR BUTS.

I would like to get an actual post out about this, but two things. One I am very sick (fighting a kidney infection). Two, I don’t want to write a lengthy post and talk over black voices, especially when they’re saying what needs to be said and doing it much better. I’m still trying to find a balance between speaking out and not overshadowing.

In the meantime please take a moment to enjoy my new favorite black owned blog, Blerdy Otome , which features visual novel reviews. Check out this post for more awesome black creators you should be following.

In the meanwhile, I am posting on my twitter highlighting black projects among other things. Follow me @Pumpkaboocoffee.

All in all, fuck the police, and black lives matters.