If You are Uncomfortable Right Now, That is a Good Thing – Kayla’s Personal Reflections

I am in pain. As a black woman in America, I am crying for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, my family, my church, my community, and my country. I am continuously disappointed by the lack of justice for my black brothers and sisters who have been murdered by the hands of those who swore to serve and protect.

I am afraid. I was raised in a loving stable home. My father is black. My mother is black. My brother is black. I want to know they are safe and protected and will not be stereotyped and judged negatively. I want to know that they will not be treated horrifically by the police because of their brown skin.

I have a lot of friends who don't look like me. I work in an environment that is predominantly white. This past week the love and support that I have received in the midst of all that is going on have been incredible. I have received multiple texts from people asking what they can do to support the black community. And in some cases, others have told me that they honestly don't know what they should be doing and are in a place on confusion and stuck-ness.

Let me be clear: If you are uncomfortable with what is happening in the United States right now, THAT IS A GOOD THING. I truly believe that EVERYONE should get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Embrace that discomfort and see what is there to teach you. "Working through discomfort is where real growth happens."

The first step is acknowledging that racism does exist. A quote that is so true to this situation is one by Ibram X. Kendi. He said, “The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it—and then dismantle it.”  If you refuse to first acknowledge that there is a problem and continue to lean into your ignorance, there is no way you can help heal it the problem.

If you are white and feeling uncomfortable it means you are ready to start educating yourself and learning to have tough, difficult yet necessary conversations with other people who look like you.

Growth is a very scary thing!! But we got to keep pushing forward.

Here are some actions you can take:

• Help the family of George Floyd HERE.
• Fight for Breonna Taylor HERE.
• Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery HERE.
• Want to help protesters? Donate to one or more community bail funds HERE.
• Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
• Want to connect with leaders building grass roots campaigns? Click HERE.
• Are you an ally and want to learn more? Here are some anti-racism resources.

One of the core principles of 94.5 PST and Townsquare Media is "You Matter." This speaks to our commitment to our employees and our community. On Tuesday, June 2, we stopped regular programming to join with the music industry's #TheShowMustBePaused initiative on Blackout Tuesday. Our staff used the time to reflect upon our feelings and how we plan to be apart of a culture of change. Click here to read more. The above represents some of Kayla's reflections from that day.