This week has been unlike anything that I’ve ever seen.

The country is raging with anger, sadness, pain, and frustration. Once again, a black man has lost his life at the hands of the police. For nearly nine minutes, Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the back of George Floyd’s neck, as he lay face down and handcuffed on the pavement. He begged for air, screaming “I can’t breathe!”. His cries for help were ignored.

For seven days, we have seen protests in every major city across the United States. Sadly, along with the peaceful protests, we’ve also seen looting, buildings burning and windows smashed. Communities are being destroyed, but not by the hands of the protestors who are legitimately demanding action and change. Do not let the vile behavior of a few distract from the legitimacy of the many.

As a person of privilege, I know that I will NEVER fully understand the pain and frustration of the Black community. Please know this:

I hear you.

I see you.

I stand with you.

ALWAYS.

#BlackLivesMatter