Summer should be a time to gather with family and friends, for cookouts and campfires.  Instead, too many people are hurting right now.  Like so many of you that we’ve spoken with, we are heartbroken and angry. We are struggling to understand the structural racism and police brutality that led to the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.  We are trying to process the use of violence against peaceful protestors and the senseless destruction of black businesses. We stand with those impacted the most.  

It is inspiring to see so many people showing support for black family, friends, and neighbors, and calling on our government for justice and accountability. It is so important to encourage civil rights leaders calling for peaceful protest, dialogue, and meaningful action, and to show respect and support for the good cops who work every day to protect and serve. 

Being silent is not an option. Thank you for speaking out when you see hatred and for recognizing the harm that bigotry does to our communities.  "Do not stand by while your neighbor's blood is shed.” - Leviticus.  Civil rights leader John Lewisreturned to Wisconsin a few years ago to celebrate the Freedom Riders.  While he was here, he talked about the importance of “going out into the world to make trouble, good trouble. That’s the kind of trouble that does good.“  It’s time to join Congressman Lewis in making good trouble.  

There’s a lot we can do:  educate ourselves, reach out to friends and neighbors, and be visible. 

1. Take time to learn about structural racism, white privilege, and racial bias. Two recommendations that we've found really powerful include “I Am Not Your Negro,” a 2016 documentary film directed by Raoul Peck, based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript.  Another recent favorite is Nikole Hannah-Jones Pulitzer Prize winning podcast “The 1619 Project,” a groundbreaking exploration of the legacy of Black Americans starting with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619.  What are your favorite sources?
2. Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors most affected by this.  Check in to see if they are ok.  Let them know you are thinking of them. Listen.
3. Be visible.  Ask your elected officials what they are doing to address structural racism and police brutality.  Vote for candidates that have a plan to work on this.  Like a post supporting the cause. Join a peaceful protest.  Join your local chapter of Showing up for Racial Justice (we are members – our chapter has great training). 

Part of being visible is giving back.  With Junetenth coming up, ANTIDOTE will donate all profits from sales on June 17-19th to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.  We’re proud to join with NAACP as they fight racial injustice through legal action, education, and more inclusivity in judicial appointments.

Looking for more ideas?  Check out Corrine Shutack's "75 things white people can do for racial justice."

Some day in the future, our children will ask what difference did we make?  What did we do to make things better? Let’s give our kids something to be proud of. 

It's been great to hear from so many of you.  Keep on sharing your thoughts!  Stay well.

- Abigail + David