I’m certain everyone has seen the images on TV and social media and knows of the protests since the shooting of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. Needless to say, there is a call for transformation within police departments across the country and the equal treatment of the black community in America – not just by police, but by all citizens.
In clicking on THIS LINK, you’ll read four stories of communities and people coming together against racism from ET Online. Out of the darkness of racism comes the positive light of adults and children willing to help change other’s hearts and minds in the acceptance of human beings whose only difference is skin color.
- Caroline Crockett Brock, a white woman living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been making headlines for starting a dialogue about race with Ernest Skelton, a black appliance technician she hired to fix her family’s dryer.
- In Rochester, New York, Benjamin Smith, a white Marine, and his black best friend, Marcus Ellis, set up a sign in his front yard that read, “Black or white, relax and have a beer,” following Floyd’s death last month. The two cracked open a few beverages, sat in lawn chairs and invited others to chat about race in America. Their story has since gone viral.
- Another inspiring story comes from Nashville, Tennessee, where Carlos Whittaker, a black man, recorded a conversation he had about racism with his white neighbor, James Martin, who is in his 70’s. In the four years Whittaker has lived at his current residence, he and Martin have never spoken, until now. And it all started with a painted lawn rabbit!
- In Seattle, Heather Christo was taking a walk around her neighborhood when she spotted a few young kids having their own version of a Black Lives Matter protest. A bunch of the cutest kids ever from the neighborhood all working together to bring awareness to Black Lives Matter and selling popcorn to raise money ($1000 goal they said) for The Urban League.”
Imagine if this kind of dialogue and activism toward racial acceptance kept going, gained steam and made lasting change in this country and around the world.
The “We are the World” Blogfest is in its third year of a heartfelt journey. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Sylvia McGrath, Susan Scott, Shilpa Garg, Damyanti Biswas, and Belinda Witzenhausen, welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time. You are always welcome!
Please SIGN UP for WE ARE THE WORLD BLOGFEST in the linky list that opens up in a new window:
Click HERE to be part of the Light.
Mary J Melange 
It begins with an open mind, open heart, and positivity. Thanks for sharing these stories and for being a part of #WATWB.
You’re welcome, Aslynn. These kind of stories give me hope that there is a positive force in the fight against racism.
This is something this country needs. We have to go beyond imagining and find a way to make this happen.
True Dan. It’s time for action, conversations about race and unabated love.
Reblogged this on The Bag Lady and commented:
A great Post!! https://maryjmelange.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/watwb-coming-together/#like-12512
Thank you for the reblog! 🙂
Great post!
Had to Reblog, thanks!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks for sharing positive news with your readers.
Loved these stories Mary thank you! I’d seen one or two on social media, especially the first one where Caroline Brock talks with her technician Ernest Skelton and a simple conversation begins a real opening up. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
I would love to sit down with Benjamin and Marcus and have a conversation with them about race in America. I believe it would be truly eye-opening.
Thanks, Susan, you have a great weekend as well.
Love this collection of stories. It’s inspiring to see how all the different ways available to open discussions, make connections, and be a force of light. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Deborah. I hope the discussions and connections continue for months and years to come. The country needs this.
Aww, this makes me happy to read. Especially because of the inclusivity! I feel like a lot of people claim they want to do more without realising that – talking to black people is a start! Engaging us (in a positive way) is a start. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome. I hope talk and inclusivity continues in this country. It’s time we unite as humans and work to eradicate racism and the hatred that goes along with it.
Loved the stories…
That’s what I’m here for, Damyanti!
These stories are so uplifting and encouraging and positive and promoting of tolerance and understanding. Makes me think of a childhood verse I heard long ago by Edwin Markham, and still love:
“He drew a circle that shut me out-
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle and took him In!”
Mary, thanks for these stories that take other people in.
I love this verse, Lizbeth, and will keep it close as a reminder to always accpt people into my circle.
I’ve seen each of these stories, dialogue is so important and I am so glad that these stories are going viral, it gives hope. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB. 🙂 Hope you have a great week! Stay safe and be well! 🙂
I hope that dialogue and education continue, Belinda. It’s crucially important.