I am Black
I am a Woman
I am Jamaican
I am a Mother
I am a Daughter
I am a Sister
I am a Friend
I am HUMAN
These are all titles attached to my being!
We are heartbroken by the all too common incidents, impacting our community. From the recent senseless killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor that are highlighted in the news to the countless others who weren’t.
The world has awakened to the recently publicized Social Injustice epidemic, that has continually plagued our community. Adding insult to injury, the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color in deaths and the resulting economic disparity have had compounding effects. We feel the pain and despair associated with the seemingly relentless crisis.
“Collectively and individually we may be struggling to come up with the right words to say, but it is very important that we speak.
We may have different ways of coping with varying support from our families, friends, and colleagues, but too often we suffer in silence. This may be due to the lack of the “right words to say”, fear, peer pressure, or feeling as if we have to be “on guard”.
“Suffering in silence and avoiding the uncomfortable conversations leads to isolation.It is important, now more than ever, that we demonstrate care by supporting one another. Here are the basic ways that you can demonstrate CARE.
- Asking how our family, friends, and colleagues are doing, and acknowledging how they feel during crisis events.
- Create a “Judgement free” space to be open and honest about how they feel, either publicly or privately. (however, the person prefers to express themselves)
- Work together to give the support needed to feel Psychologically safe.
- Reach out to your trusted friends and family to help support you when you need it.
I will continue to do my part and I want to open this up for anyone to reach out to get more information or support.
Please stay healthy and safe!
Melecia Mclean
Co-Managing Director, Girl in Tech – Houston
