I've been checking out these lists, and have started reading some of the books. My addiction, my time spent in the criminal justice system, even my time in 12 step recovery... all of these things opened my eyes more than the abstract concepts in a book. And yet I am reading Deray Mckesson's book, with others on my reading list, because these stories need to be heard. These authors deserve my dollars. I am committed to donating to bail funds every time I get paid until such time as bail funds for protestors are no.longer needed.
I'm starting to investigate black owned brands to support with my dollars, and I'm noticing which brands are putting their money where their mouths are. The day will come when i am able to join a protest in my own area, and i am more than willing to put my white body on the line between police and protesters.
And yet, all of this feels so inadequate. Nothing i could ever do would ever be enough to make up for the generational trauma, sadness, and exhaustion that people of color have lived for so long.