I'll admit this has been a wrestling time for me.  

A wrestling time because I've grown up in a colorful and multi-cultural home. I live in a cultural home. I've experienced the world, for good and for bad, the way multi-cultural families experience the world. It's a privilege to live this way, and it's this privilege that caused me to take some time to understand the Black Lives Matter movement.

My personal stance is Black Lives Matter. I support this cause, this group, and my friends who have been, are now and may continue to be, negatively impacted by racism, prejudice, and despicable exertions of authority in any form.  

Additionally, I know that it's the privilege I've had, not as a white man (which I can't claim), but as a human growing up the way I've grown up, to not have to write on this topic. In general, if you read the blog, you'll know that I focus on helping you do more of the work you believe you ought to do. It's not so much about the times we live in.  

With that said, everybody has a story - be it scary, sad, hurtful, exciting, vivid, or beautiful. And, if we are to do more work that matters for the people who care, we need to learn their stories.  

Culture-at-large is slow to change. But, culture-within, your personal culture, can change overnight. Is it worth it?   If you're a member of my tribe, the answer is "yes."  

People like us, the Artisan Doer, steps into a posture of possibility with love, empathy, and a deep curiosity for others.  We do so by focusing within, being still, listening, and being a meaningful specific to those that need us.  

• Take some time, learn the stories.

• Take some time, be present with yourself.  

• Take some time, set an intention.

• Take some time, serve another human..

Does this mean you need to join a protest? No. Create change in your way.

• Join a protest;

• Write a blog;

• Listen more and speak less;

• Get involved in community organizations;

• Put a candidate forward that more aligns with your views;

• Think twice before crossing the street, ask, “what’s making me cross the street?”

• Help one another.

• Write a post on Facebook;

• Create a video and share it.

The list goes on and I’m sure you’ll think of other impact-making ideas.

I know this is a bit of a long post, but if you take nothing else, please remember this:

• There’s real hurt within the Black community.

• Understand that generations are hurt and oppressed - learn the stories, listen, and be empathetic. You’ll never truly understand, that’s okay, but you learned.

• We can be a force for change, and change happens quickest within ourselves.

• Be the change. Take action. Even if it’s small.

I love you. I know you’re the kind of person who loves others and shows it daily.

P.S. I chose Ricardo Gomez Angel’s photo because it symbolized, for me, transmission. Transmission of hurt, stories, and love. Communication is the act of moving an idea from one human to another. For me, Ricardo made that happen.