I really didn’t wanna go here but I am. Because... I just am.

Let me firstly state this thread is not to minimize what is going on in the US, because it is HUGE, and important and momentumental. Black ppl in the US are fed thee eff up - with racism, brutality and their president.. and rightfully so.

I have seen a lot of Bermudians charge their followers to use the hashtags, showing their outrage and advocate for better. I get it, the US catches the flu and we get the sniffles. But unless a kite flying debacle is being posted on MAJs list, we are silent about our own shit.

In my opinion, correct me if I’m wrong, but we do not experience the level of police brutality as America. Is there mistrust between the public and the BPS ?- yes, but more around skill set and capacity to do their job rather than brutality.

Racism is well and alive in Bermuda. Not in the form of police brutality though. It is rampant in the form of access to opportunity and basic needs.

My racism is a former colleague of mine telling me to wear my hair straight whenever I’m in the company of donors.

My Racism is being the black girl in a group of whites, and being the white girl in a group of blacks. And not feeling good enough in either setting.

Racism is why white people eat textures and colors for holiday meals and us black are consuming the foods that put us at risk for chronic diseases on a regular basis.

Racism is why our black men have been enthralled in gang war for the last 15 years.

Racism in Bermuda breeds injustice, colorism, microagressions, lack of education and pits the blackest of the black against the lightest of the black - until a white person decides to tell us both to stop flying a kite - periodt.

Racism in Bermuda goes beyond being outraged that a photoshoot has all whites and one token black person. Racism in Bermuda perpetuates generational trauma, poverty and even as far as poor nutrition! It is a domino effect.

So while representation is important, there are actual faces that are living lives that are the result of lack of access due to racist systems and laws that outdate my grandmother.

I’ve worked in helping services for the majority of my adult career. So I see the families directly impacted by these oppressive systems. A hashtag is helpful, but it is not and will not change what is and has gone on in Bermuda forevvverrr.

We have people who highlight issues YEAR ROUND. Kristen White posted that an associate of Trump who was rejected by Barbados is to join the US Consulate in BDA. Not one of these new era social media activist in my TL replied I am a creep I went through the replies.

People be aware, be outraged and in solidarity with the US.. but TUNE in to what is going on in your backyard. And make it your front yard. And your PRIORITY. Take a note of being fed up from the US.

The beauty of Bermuda is that your ministers, your government is your cousins, aunties, Godpa’s and ace boys on Twitter. You are in a position to reach out, to complain, to protest...

So all in all, yes it’s everybody against racism. Racism is global. But please do not forget to address the racism that effects you directly, daily and at this very second.

There are plenty of actual human living and breathing resources that can educate you on all forms of social media but at some point the convo needs to be taken off of social media, into our homes, on our streets and on the front lawn of our government.

K I’m done.