Hi there. I’m Nicole Roder, owner of Where the Heart Is freelance writing services. Some of you may know me as a funny and sarcastic mommy blogger. Some of you are clients who have hired me to write blog posts for your businesses. And some of you have read one or two of my magazine articles.
Most days, I’m a writer, a mom, a wife, and a friend. But today, I’m just sick. Sick of the hatred and vitriol spewing forth from so many corners of our society. And I’m in agony over the pain and fear that Black Americans live with every day of their lives.
I’m also sick over the idea that there is so little I can do to help.
Following the lead of another local business owner, William Petruzzo of Petruzzo Photography, I’ve decided to use this small platform to help elevate Black voices and lift up their cause.
All over America, our justice system has failed Black Americans. They’ve been treated like second class citizens for centuries. And right now, they are out on the streets, fighting for their lives.
When I consider the enormity of the problem, I feel overwhelmed. What can I possibly do to help combat a problem so huge? I’m only one person. You might be feeling the same way.
I definitely don’t have all of the answers to that question, but I do have a few ideas for small ways that people like me and you can help.
Be an ally
If you’re white and you don’t know what to say or do, listen. Really hear what people of color are saying. Their words are all around you in the media. Just listen and empathize.
When you do speak up make sure your words are supportive and empathetic. Now is not the time to complain about some aspect of the BLM movement that you don’t approve of. Yes, even the violence at the protests. Just stop talking about it. We all know violence is wrong. The protesters know violence is wrong. THEY ARE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE. Nobody needs your wagging finger to point that out.
If 90% of your comments about BLM are critical, you are not an ally. It won’t matter that you also say you oppose police brutality or you love people of all races. People are paying attention to the totality of your remarks, and if the majority of them are anti-Black, that’s how people will see you.
Donate money
There is a link at the bottom of this page to continue to my site. But I’m asking you to switch gears for a moment. Instead of spending your money on freelance writing services, please consider donating that money to the Bail Fund or the ACLU at the links below. The bail fund will split your contribution evenly across similar organizations nationwide. If you are unable to join protests in person, this is an alternate way you can contribute to building justice for people of color in our society. Additionally, in the coming weeks, months, and years, the ACLU will prove critical in defending men and women’s exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Thank you for reading this. Black. Lives. Matter.