I've been struggling to find words for the horrifying racist violence that's been taking place - it makes me heartbroken, depressed, despairing but almost the worst thing is I'm not surprised. Another life stolen should be a shock but this story keeps repeating. But how to help?

I've been trying to find the most useful things to do as a white ally - firstly don't expect the black community to teach you how not to be racist or explain their pain - it's for you to do the research and address uncomfortable truths. Read books, news stories, historical cases.

Secondly don't run and hide from the rage and anger - black people so often not "allowed" by society to express anger for fear of being cast as aggressive and violent characters, but, god the rage is necessary right now. Our blood should all be boiling.

Thirdly, however uncomfortable it is, really, really examine how you as a white person have benefitted from racist infrastructures and how you've allowed racism to flourish in any way and how unacceptable that is. This graphic is really good: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAq9_0uJary/?igshid=6kyipvl3vqeq

Put your money where your mouth is - if you have the ability, donate to causes that support black lives, buy art from black creators, amplify the voices of black people, whatever you're able to do. This is all advice to myself too. How to be better.

I work in children's publishing because I believe books can change the world. Working on @angiecthomas books has taught me so much and I hope I can take that into my own life - but it's not on her or any other black person to teach me or any other white person how to be better.

I've been quiet for days because I was afraid I'd say the wrong thing or express myself badly but in the words of @angiecthomas "What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?" #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor