The recent events of innocent black men being hunted and murdered by police not only unleashed an ugly truth this country has been hiding forever, but has forced use to have difficult conversations with those we considered close family, friends and we are realizing that we may not have known them as well as we thought. I try my best to always live in my truth and be the same person I am at night behind closed doors as I am if I was standing in front of a camera on CNN. To me, it is so much easier to just be who I am. So let me tell you just exactly who I am.
My name is Tyrell. I am a black man with light skin. Whether you believe it or not, I am at risk every day of being profiled before someone even speaks to me. But you know what, I am not even mad at that. I would much rather someone admit to themselves that they are profiling me and work to combat that instinct. In addition to being black, I am a gay male who was raised in the inner-city of Philadelphia and later moved to the suburbs of Northern Virginia (a predominately white community). I am an educated brother with a masters degree in public administration and I work for a local government who serves you every single day (even on my days off). I firmly believe in my obligation to work for the betterment of those around me as well as provide and protect my family at all costs (including my life). I am not the same as my other brothers and sisters but we are united in the struggle. We understand each other and my message to those of you who can't relate, simply accept and understand that it is not about y'all right now.
To my social justice warriors who are keeping the #BlackLivesMatter movement alive, thank you. We are angry and you are providing an outlet for relief that is clearly working because it is making the most dangerous racists in our community uncomfortable. Don't let anyone stop your cause. This nation and those who will occupy it in the future need you now more than ever. To my amazing friends that work in law enforcement, I am so so very sorry for the events that occurred in Dallas, TX. That was not and is not the answer and I will continue to support law enforcement. To the families of the innocent black men and women who have been hunted and killed like cattle by the police, I am so very sorry for your loss and I wish I could relieve your paid. My thoughts and prayers are with you all daily. Now, back to those in law enforcement. You all have to help us, help you. Come to the table. Check your brothers and sisters in uniform when they step out of line. There is clearly a problem here. Powers are being abused and innocent people are dying. To take no action at all, is just as bad as you pulling the trigger. That would be the same as firefighters knowing one of their own is starting fires and they don't say anything about it.
To you closed minded, uneducated, and disconnected individuals who remain silent on these issues. I pray for the day a non-white person has to come to your aid/rescue. I have said it once, and I will say it again; those who do for others will see the rewards 10 fold. To the bigot that called my fiance a faggot yesterday on social media, have you found your edges yet? This nation is on the brink of a civil war and the weaponry of today would shower blood on our streets for years to come. We have the power to stop it. We must always remember that we are #PeopleFirst and approach every conversation with the idea of understanding and resolution. But understand if you come ready for a fight, you will probably get one that you were not ready for.
To those readers who are in leadership positions. Understand that everyone is sensitive right now. That is ok and we need to foster an environment where people can speak and express themselves safely while being respectful. The tasks before us is large and we must hold people accountable for their actions and words. To those who support Donald Trump, that level of hatred has risen to domestic terrorism and the FBI should probably be looking into you. I know I would.
Finally, through all of these emotions, I am proud to be in love. I don't know if I would be so balanced right now if I didn't have my partner. This blog is focused on building those healthy relationships that are focused around love. With the recent shootings in Orlando, several deaths of our unarmed black men, and hunting of police officers, I think everyone could use a hug. So I say all that to say this.....take care of each other, yourself, and most importantly, your partner. Right now, you may find them being a little more pulled back or quiet and that is simply because their mind and thoughts are just racing and are unsettled. Support each other, work every single day to make them smile and tell them often that you love them. Do the little cute things you did when you first started dating. Love heals ALL wounds and right now we are all hurting. A little effort will help more than you know.