Be the difference.
I understand what it’s like to come from a small town, not know many black people, and think that racism isn’t an issue.
I held this sign last night knowing my own hometown’s percentage of white people is even higher, at 97%. So I get it.
You hear a kind of racist remark here and there and let it slide. Or think to yourself while driving through town,” who’s that black guy, I’ve never seen him around here.” But that’s how racism brews in a small town where there aren’t a lot of black people to meet and gain perspective from.
I had the privilege of moving to a college campus where I was still in the majority but there was a significant increase in other races. And then the privilege of working at summer camp for inner city and “at-risk” youth. Then the privilege of moving to downtown Pittsburgh, where it felt like I was the minority, but I probably still wasn’t. And then the privilege to move to Corry.
And I call moving to Corry a privilege because of nights like last night.
Last night showed true community. A merging of differences in opinion in a peaceful manner.
It was a bold statement organizing a Black Lives Matter protest in the middle of a town where confederate flags still wave off the back of trucks. And I’m so proud of the two young women who did it.
I’m proud of our police. Those who walked with us, covered our backs, led the way through town, and made sure this stayed peaceful. Our chief, who stood up and told his story and how he’s seen racism and expects better from his guys.
I’m proud of our local journalists. It is not an easy time to be a member of the media and these two were the epitome of professional journalists last night. They live streamed, they interviewed, they took pictures, they talked to those for and against the protest. They did it all and we are all privileged to have them.
I’m proud of the people who came out to stand in front of the small businesses downtown, making sure someone was there to protect them if anything was to go astray.
I’m proud of the guys who suited up with their vests and guns and stood watch. Exercising their rights just as much as we were. It was intimidating, not knowing their intent at first, but after talking to one of them, they were there to protect our local businesses, and the protesters themselves, if any outside groups came to make things turn to chaos like we’ve seen in so many other places this week.
I’m proud, especially though, of each of the protesters I walked with.
Young and old, black and white, all different religions and orientations. I’m so proud that in a little town like this there are still hundreds of people who are willing to stand up and say this isn’t okay. I saw so many beautiful moments last night and wish I could put the words to each of them.
Each of you can be the difference.
Standing up for what you believe in and still peacefully existing among people who believe differently than you. That’s community. That’s what this is all about.
We cannot keep hating each other for the color of our skin, who we pray to, or who we chose to love. We cannot allow “a few bad apples” to get away with murder. It’s not about black live verses blue live verses all lives. We cannot keep allowing division, period.
Be the difference.
Speak up when you see injustice. Speak up, even if you don’t have all the right words or your voice shakes. We have to be and demand the change we wish to see. We have to talk about it. We have to be open to gaining knowledge and other perspectives and growing.
Especially in small towns where it “doesn’t exist.” Because it does, and because being silent about it is how it grows. Don’t give in to the culture around you, be the difference that creates a better world for us all.
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