Juneteenth

June 19, 2021 10:37 p.m.

Today is Juneteenth. I just saw this post from a year ago, and it seemed like a fitting reflection, given that Juneteenth is now a federal holiday. It’s a short post, but I still feel the same way:

June 20, 2020
5:17 p.m.

I want to point out that the best, most honest conversations I've had about race, equality, politics, and police brutality have been with my northside uber passengers.

It’s not likely any of my passengers will ever see this, but thank you for sharing your truth with me, and giving me an opportunity to listen and learn.

As a person who experiences privilege because of my race and gender, if I want to be an ally, it is my responsibility to let those who have been marginalized take the lead, and to open my ears, my heart, and my mind to the realities they share with me. 

Additionally, it isn’t the responsibility of someone else to educate me about their hardships. That being said, I don’t actively seek out these conversations… but if they come up organically, I’ll participate. 

Of course, I’m still not sure I’m doing allyship correctly - but I’m trying my best.