Say Their Names At Union Square Park.

The Black lives matter movement continues to grow strong in my favorite city. Everywhere you turn you see the names of those who have died under the hands of racist brutality. This has given my son a huge lesson in being educated when it comes to human rights and people of color. There have been times when my kids have been asked what nationality they are and for the most people are accepting and say that they're lucky to have a lovely shade of olive skin, but sometimes that question has my son asking me, "why do they ask me that question?" I had to explain to him that being a Mexican-American can be hard sometimes and that I got the same treatment as a kid myself. People mistaking me for a black person. As a Mexican mom I've had my moments with white people and I can write an entire post about that but this is not about me. It's about looking out for my Black friends who are having it tough right now and we need to support them and pray for their safety. Their lives are significantly hurting right now.

Black Lives Matter - Protest In New York City.

About a week ago a woman walking her dog in Central Park called the cops on a man who kindly asked her to put her dog on a leash. Apparently this particular area of Central Park states leash your dog at all times but people don't listen these days. She resisted and for no reason used a microaggression in the most insidious form. She called the police and said an African-american man was threatening her and her dog. She had no reason to do this. She kept repeating this to the police and because this man was savvy and smart quelled her attitude and began to record her. Her racist actions made headlines. When I read about the young man who she called the cops on seemed very educated. An avid bird watcher. Someone who was just minding his own business and in a polite manner asked this woman to put her dog on a leash.

The Aftermath In Soho After The Riots.

Eye-opener for my kids today as we walked the streets of New York after yesterday’s riots. The remnants of what was left of a burning police car and shattered glass from broken windows was a scary sight to see. I’m well aware as to why this has happened but I’m praying for more peaceful protests in the future without the violence. Our hearts are hurting for the death of George Floyd but we should act rational and quell our behavior with peace. 

These experiences are teaching my two youngest kids to be more braver and stronger and to use their voice in defending not only their black friends, but their heritage as well. My kids are mixed and come from various background lineages. Time to time people will ask them what nationality they are and for the most part they are complemented for who they are.