As a white girl, I’ve been kinda quiet for the past few weeks, trying to listen and learn, as #BlackLivesMatter has taken center stage.

Because the narrative isn’t about me (I’m not the hero of this story, and don’t want to take attention to myself over this) but I do want to make it clear where I stand.

I want to do better, as a white person.

I want to learn history from an objective, honest lens.

I want to acknowledge the privilege I’ve been afforded, by a system that was built to disproportionately favor people who look like me.

I want to listen to real stories and struggles from people who don’t look like me.

Human decency and respect, regardless of appearance/orientation/gender, should be universal.

*Equality shouldn’t come with an asterisk.