Tanner Do for Humanity

This last week has been difficult for not only the African-American people of the United States but for the entire country. The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others are impossible to accept. Our country is at a crossroads, our emotions are real; our confusion is real; our frustration is also very real.

We must end the systemic racism that devalues the worth a human life because of the color of their skin. It is important that we state our position openly and clearly. We acknowledge the support of our communities across the country and look forward to working together for a better world where everyone feels safe and supported.

People want to know What can I do? and How do I “Speak Up”? Here are a few things you can do to use your voice:


Verify your neighborhood has a local Citizen's Review Board designed to report any police misconduct, including all deaths that occur while citizens are in police custody. Inquire how they ensure the review board remains diverse and inclusive. If your neighborhood does not have a review board, demand change from your elected officials.

Find out your state and local police department’s policy on the use of chokeholds as a police tactic. If it is allowed, demand change from your elected officials.

Contact your state elected officials to request Hate Crime legislation be enacted and call for the abolishment of Stand Your Ground and Citizens Arrest Laws.

Hold elected officials accountable through the power of your vote at the local, state, and federal levels. If you are not sure where your elected official stands on issues important to you, contact their office or visit their website for more resources.

Sign petitions and support credible civil rights organizations. This coupled with the above actions makes a difference. Some better-known resources are the NAACP, change.org, and colorofchange.org. Many of these organizations have active petitions and can provide more detailed information on the progress of these court cases well after the media attention has waned.

Have a conversation with someone who doesn’t look like you to understand current issues from a different perspective. There are resources available from the recent Day of Understanding to provide guidance on ground-rules to encourage authentic learning conversations.

Thank you to our allies and leaders that stand together to end systemic racism for a better tomorrow and this we shall overcome. Let us stand together and stop the looting that destroyed our community's business and government properties that take away the real reason why we need to speak up. Don't let a few bad apples in the police forces destroy the whole foundation that the police forces were found upon, to protect, and to serve. .

Color Of Change | We help you do something real about injustice. Color Of Change designs campaigns powerful enough to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back, and champion solutions that move us all forward.

Thank you Christine Chen for your leadership and representing our community. I stand in solidarity with our black community.

Census 2020, don't forget to them. Everyone counts. We need more folks like them to raise their voices.

R.I.P Congressman Sam Johnson. Thank you for your service to our country.