I’ve seen the pain of racism before.

I’ve seen the agony of a black man beaten.

I’ve seen my bedroom light up as a group of white supremacists torched a cross in front of my bedroom window—one of two.

I’ve been intimidated by white men who cut my tires because I gave a friend a ride home, so he didn’t have to run 2 miles in the stormy weather.

I’ve hugged a baseball player after being bullied by horrible human beings because of his skin color.

Yet, I do not know the real feeling of being discriminated, bullied, or murdered because of MY skin color.

In my past, I’ve been afraid because of someone’s skin color passing judgment before knowing who they were.

I’ve heard conversations filled with racism. I didn’t point out the horror of comments. Instead, I walked away.

I’ve been wrong and have tried to right the wrongs, but have I done enough?

What can I do?

What can we white people do?

These are a few things I’ve gathered from my black friends’ posts on Social Media.

These are the things I will be striving to do and change. One small step, decision, and action at a time.

-Black friends are processing and grieving while trying to deal with one more injustice. One of many in their lives. Ask them how they are doing!

-Don’t just ask what can I do. Do something. Write Op-Eds, call your legislators locally, statewide, and nationally and demand action.

-Start donating with organizations that are working in social justice spaces led by people of color. Begin to demand organizations you fund do the same.

-Start questioning your organizations and workplaces. If there are only a few people of color (or none) who are employed, you need to demand change.

– Those groups you are supporting–where are they investing their dollars? If they are funding causes that hurt people of color, move your money.

– Educate yourself and read. Read White Fragility. Pick up Peggy McIntosh’s work. Learn. Watching Roots isn’t enough.

– It isn’t Black friends’ responsibility to coach you through this stuff. You must do the work.

We need to say, “Enough already!”

We need to change white friends.

We need to be the change for our brothers and sisters.

Enough.

To the black community:

I see you.

I hear you.

I love you.

I will fight alongside you.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” John 13:34.