To my husband,

I am sorry.

I am sorry that at any point in your life you had to deal with ignorant white people saying ignorant things to you because of your race. I am sorry that this world we live in hasn’t evolved in an acceptable timeframe and that in 2020 you and many, many others still have to encounter racism in any form. I am sorry that we as a nation haven’t done more to further the cause or speak out publicly against racism consistently enough to help.

My heart hurts writing this.

I would do ANYTHING to protect you. I love you with my entire body and soul. I can’t imagine a world where you didn’t exist anymore because some asshole stuck his knee in your neck and didn’t let you up. And I couldn’t imagine this happening to anyone I love and care about, and nobody should have to endure that.

I haven’t known what to say about George Floyd’s death, but now I do. It’s simple. I’m sorry this happened, and I will do whatever I can in my power to help move our country forward. I will vote, I will make calls and write letters. I will speak up and post articles that matter. I will listen. I will make thoughtful decisions in my everyday life and work to understand when I don’t.

It’s time to stop being polite.

It’s okay to speak out against a racist president. Yes, Trump is a huge racist. If you don’t see that by now, please, get your head checked.

It’s okay to speak out against injustice of any kind.

It’s okay to call people out on their bullshit.

I don’t want to be the person who doesn’t speak out against injustice or keep quiet because I don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings or get in social media arguments. I don’t want to not have an opinion because I’m afraid of standing out because I’m standing up.

Racism of any kind is not okay. This is 2020. Let’s get it together. If you hear something or see something, then say something. Make a stink. Help when it’s not convenient to do so.

To my husband, I will fight for you. And I will work harder to be better and speak up and get uncomfortable when things aren’t right in the world. And for now, not much is.