I Went To A Black Lives Matter March As A White Person And Here’s What I Learned:

Today I went to the Black Lives Matter March in Houston. It was one of the most powerful things I've ever seen. I went there to meet my high school sign language teacher, who had shared the march on Facebook. I was sitting on the grass waiting for the march to start when a familiar face walked by. It was my brother. I didn't know he would be there, and he didn't know I'd be there. I laughed when I saw him. It's crazy that we both showed up. I guess we both are human beings who think the unjustified killing of black people is not ok and our public officials should be held responsible.

So I marched with my brother today. I marched with people of all ethnicities. I chanted with them and stood with them. And at one point, a black woman approached me and thanked me for coming out to support them. She didn't need to thank me. It should be expected for all of us to be involved. We are all involved. If you don't like the looting and vandalism, then do something. Because they have been peaceful protesting for years, and this is still happening. If you are more outraged by looting, then the wrongful death of hundreds of black Americans by the hands of police, then go sit and do some serious self reflection.

Today I learned that we as white people need to do more. We are so incredibly privileged. And I know that word makes people eye roll so hard, but it's true. I never worry about being stopped by the police for no reason. I never worry about people calling the police on me while I walk through the park. Today I didn't worry about getting arrested or hurt by the police, because I'm white. I was safe.

You guys, we need to be better. We need to stand up for what is right. And we shouldn't do it for praise. It should be expected of us. I told people today, when my children ask me what I did, I want to make them proud. I want them to know I did something. I didn't just put a broken heart emoji on a post about innocent black people dying, I did something. I did what was right. I stood for justice and equality.