It’s easy to get numb to certain things.

Repeated exposure to things can be a great thing. Facing your fears and uncomfortable situations repeatedly reduces fear levels and one acclimates. Repeated tasks are the basis of habit formation, and consistency in words, actions, and both over time builds trust. 

However, repeated exposure to the horrors of systemic racism can easily leave us burnt out and feeling numb. It’s important to not get used to the loss of life of Black people at the hands of law enforcement officials. 

After all the culture shifts from 2020 sparked by the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we’re still far from where we need to be, and the killing of #DaunteWright is yet another tragic reminder why #BlackLivesMatter is still an important stance, because it’s obvious in the eyes of many, that they still do not. 

Complacency is easy when you’re overwhelmed and exhausted. But just as the squeaky wheel gets the grease, by continuing to speak up against injustice (or starting if you haven’t spoken up before – welcome!) we can bring out a more just world. But it starts with each and everyone one of us to name the problem and decry systemic racism.