I do not consider myself a particularly political person. I tend to leave politics to my friends that are experts and seek their counsel when needed. That being said, this will be one of the rare times I spend a few minutes on current affairs.

I DO consider myself a loving, passionate healer that leads by example, always aiming to create a healthy, fun, loving experience for myself and others every day. I have been called an optimist and to that I agree. However, the last three months I have had moments of despair about my personal life, the health of my family (my elders in particular), and well-being of my practice.

We all have shared very similar feelings because we are all human. Instead of living in fear and upset, I mostly focus on gratitude and goals. It keeps me hopeful and able to serve as a healthcare provider and friend.

In the midst of the pandemic, we each found something good to focus on, whether it was connecting with friends and family more, telecommuting or taking time for self-care and healing. I found myself looking for ways to share suggestions and tips that make it easier for others to create better health habits. Focusing on the positives is a healthy way to approach this “new normal.”

The events of the last 10 days have shaken me more deeply than any of the other events so far. As black woman who has grown up in America, sadly I am not shocked by institutionalized racism that has led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others. I am, however, so tired of it. The killing and disregard for life needs to stop.

George Floyd was the height of one of my brothers and the age of another one of my brothers, so George Floyd is my brother and all of their lives matter!

Breonna Taylor worked in healthcare just like my sister and I, so we are Breonna Taylor and our lives matter!

We are all human beings and, if you have just one person in your life that you love, you can understand how it would feel to see your loved one badly mistreated or killed for no reason. Racism is dangerous because it creates false reasons in someone’s head why one person is ‘less’ than another person.

It is not just law enforcement that is the problem.

Inequalities are found in healthcare, businesses, industries and almost every big system in this country. The anger and frustration of this past week comes from black and brown people having to deal with these inequalities from every direction on top of a pandemic. It affects all areas of black people’s lives.

Black people built this country and made it great. Without the brilliance, perseverance, ingenuity, compassion and forgiveness of black people, this country would not exist.

My family, community and ancestor’s lives matter. #BlackLivesMatter.

One of my mentors, Reverend Michael Beckwith, posed this question to the congregation last Sunday. “What is your help to end this destructive pattern of disregard and inequality?” Everyone doesn’t have the same gifts and talents and everyone can’t do the same thing, but everyone can do something to stop injustice and inequity when they see it.

Let me be clear, I am here to be a loving, healing presence and guide to all those I meet. However, I know that disproportionately black and brown people are dealing with health issues that are stealing their lives from them because the healthcare system is broken and has institutionalized racism too.

I am here to stand for black and brown people in the healthcare crisis. I am here to teach and train them to live better, healthier lives.

We each have a role to play to help change these inequalities. It doesn’t matter what color you are. Ask yourself this powerful question, “what is my role?”

Once you know the answer, get to work!