Black Lives Matter.

I’ve written a few things and shared a few resources I’ve found helpful on my Instagram, but I also wanted to make my views known on my website and blog.

First of all, I want you to know that EVERYONE is welcome here. No matter your skin color, your ethnicity, your sexual orientation, your religion, your gender. YOU. ARE. WELCOME. HERE.

Secondly, I want to apologize. As a biracial woman, I’ve always just assumed that I’m not racist, especially against Black people, because I myself am half black and half white. However, I’m realizing that I have used that as an excuse not to take action. I know that racism is a real thing. But just knowing that it’s real isn’t enough. And just knowing that I care about Black people isn’t enough. I apologize for being lazy. For thinking that my “being biracial” was enough.

Here is what I am doing:

1. Reading, reading, and more reading. I am reading blogs, books, and articles written by Black people. I am listening. I realize that even though I’m biracial, my skin is white, and therefore I am perceived as a white woman. I benefit from white privilege. So I’m shutting up and listening to those who have actually experienced racism.
2. I promise to teach my child to do better than I have. As a mother of a white child, I have a job to do. I will buy children’s books that have diversity. When he starts watching tv shows, I’ll make sure he’s watching shows where not all the characters look like him. If it’s at all possible, I will put him in a school that is diverse.
3. I will educate myself and vote in my local elections. I’m the first to admit that I have not been good about that in the past. I’ve always voted for the President, but that’s about as far as my voting went. Politics are not interesting to me, and so I’ve been lazy about voting locally. But local elections are so important, and I promise to do my homework and vote.
4. I will continue to sign petitions and call for change at a local level. Charleston obviously has a past that is marred by slavery and racism. Whenever I can, I will advocate for the removal of hurtful statues, flags, and monuments.

What I’ve Read:

Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehesi Coates

Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Born A Crime – Trevor Noah

Who I’m Following:

Monica Ahanonu

The Conscious Kid

Aurelia Durand

Campaign Zero

Monique Melton

Color of Change

I’ll continue to update my Instagram stories with books that I’m reading and have found helpful, as well as accounts I’m following! I’m trying to say less and listen more, because my voice isn’t what needs to be heard. You can follow along with what I’m learning at instagram.com/taylorraephoto.

Black lives matter. I will continue to listen, learn, and welcome all here.