My Response to Recent Events #BlackLivesMatter

Hi everyone.

As many of you are aware, George Floyd passed away on May 25th after police officer, Derek Chauvin, held Floyd to the pavement with his knee on his neck. Floyd was an innocent man, and he told the officer he could not breathe. The officer didn’t listen.

Hearing about this news made me heartbroken for Floyd, for his family and friends, and for the black community. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened; in fact, there is a long list of individuals who have died innocently simply because of their skin color. This is because systematic racism is still a part of our country today. I cannot deny the fact that I have white privilege. I will never know what it feels like to be oppressed because of my skin color, and I will never feel the direct pain that comes with that. But I’m here to say that I hear you, I see you, and I’m here to support you.

It simply doesn’t feel right to not post something on here; Emily’s Edge may be smaller than other websites, but it’s a platform just the same. To be silent on here, or worse, to post something related to fashion and act like this never occurred, would be ignorant and hurtful. I urge all of you to do whatever you can in this situation to make a positive change. Please stand in solidarity with each other. Recognize your privilege if you’re white, and become more educated on these matters. There is always room to learn.

Here are more ways you can help out:

-Donate to George Floyd’s family here.

-Donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund here.

-Support black-owned businesses.

-Text FLOYD to 55156 and sign the petition.

-Research and learn about systematic racism and how it affects others.

-Do not remain silent on this issue. Raise awareness and acknowledge it! Silence will not do anything.

-Find protests near you (be careful and research beforehand).

To my readers, especially those who are a part of the black community: I am so deeply sorry. I will continue to stand next to you and support you in any way that I can.

All my love as always,

Emily Berrol