I’m writing to let you, my audience, know that I have not done enough here to lift Black voices. It is not acceptable to work quietly behind the scenes on the issue of racism. We have arrived at a point in time where we must make a critical decision. It is a fork in the road and I am finally taking a public stand, something I regret not doing prior.
Lift Black Voices
Now, more than ever is the time to unite and lift Black voices. We have lost far too many souls to institutionalized racism, and not listened nearly enough. I must do better on this.
Black Lives Matter
Right now, we mourn the murders of David McAtee, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and far too many others. Their deaths are only the most recent in our country’s violent racist history and are a blood-drenched tragedy.
Religious Wife Of Law Enforcement Officer
Along those lines, here is my hero Melissa McCrery, whose video I found via Baratunde. Her husband has been in law enforcement for decades. Like her, I know that all people deserve to be protected by law enforcement in this country, regardless of skin color.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA05VgSDvw7/
The Black Community Should Not Have To Lead Police Reform
While there are amazing people in the law enforcement community, some walking with Black Lives Matter protestors, there are still too many that do not protect our citizens. In fact, they harm and kill. As McCrery said:
The black community should not have to lead this. Those of us who know we have power must say NO. Not in my country, not on my watch.
Standing Up For Black Lives
But standing up is only the start. I will stay committed to the cause because there is no place for racism in America.
Free exclusive eBook, plus recipes and health tips, delivered to your inbox.
I Do Not Stand For Racism
Elana’s Pantry was founded on the principle that health empowers individuals, and under the assumption that empowered individuals create a more equitable society. This cannot be an assumption any longer. I have not done enough here to clarify my position on the issue. I do not stand for racism.
Your Voice Matters
And your voice matters too. Leave a comment with your thoughts, or let me know about your favorite Black food blogger or health activist.
Suzanne Burnell says
You are a brave, beautiful, and strong woman, even more than I already knew. Thank you for your post. Oh, and I love your recipes!
Elana says
Thanks Suzanne, appreciate your kind words.
T.LO says
Thank you for your courage. Please don’t listen to the haters! We are writing history. As many have said, future generations will look back on this time as a decisive moment. I hope we make them proud.
May peace guard your heart as you continue to follow your convictions.
Elana says
T.LO, yes we are rewriting history and I’m glad that you and I are together on this. Thanks for your amazing and inspiring words stating, “May peace guard your heart as you continue to follow your convictions.” Your poetic inspiration is greatly appreciated.
Betty Jo Waxman says
Thank you Elana for your words and deeds. I too am coming to terms with the fact that I have not done enough I’m diving in to listen to those whom we’ve marginalized and to learn how I can be of service. And then not take credit for doing so! It’s not about me. It’s about using my power to make a difference because the way it is and has been for centuries is just flat out unacceptable and wrong. Kudos for voicing your beliefs and using your platform for good.
Elana says
Betty Jo, thank you for your kind words, appreciate them. Glad we’re together on this important issue.
Violet says
You know Elana, if you want to actually be awakened to the truth about blacks, racism and how those like you keep racism alive, go over to the Patriot Post and watch what Candace Owens, a young black woman has to say about the black community. Do a little research about the criminal thug that George Floyd has always been and quit drinking the koolaid of myths and lies. A thug has been elevated to hero status, while rioters slaughter blacks and destroy their businesses all in the name of justice for a thug. Nobody disputes that cop was wrong, but Floyd was high on Fentanyl and Meth when he was arrested, which is the more probable cause of his death, which was a Heart Attack, NOT Asphyxiation. He also had Covid19, any one of those things alone could induce a heart attack. Maybe also do some actual research on US statistics that PROVE Cops kill 3 times more white criminals than black criminals, Blacks at only 13% of the population commit 50% of all violent crimes and kill 5 times more blacks than whites kill them, every single year. Last year 9 blacks were killed by cops, while 29 whites were killed by cops, remembering that blacks commit 50% of all violent crimes. A little history for you and your readers if you have the character and integrity to allow this post. Before any blacks were brought to this country as slaves, Black Pirates all along the Barbary Coast kidnapped over 1.25 million whites and put them into slavery. Men, women and children, FAR more than the number of blacks brought here. They enslaved them, tortured, raped and slaughtered them when they were no longer useful. Not one black was known to set them free or defend them. None certainly went to war for them, losing over a million of their own to free them like we did. To this VERY DAY, blacks OWN other blacks in other countries
Yet the useless WHO and UN point in our direction demanding we confront our racism. And YOU and others like you perpetuate myths and lies of systemic racism in the US. You claim to be ‘woke’ while ignoring statistics and facts and believe everything you are told without any valid evidence. Right now ALL the protesters, the rioters, looters and those like you, are no better than that thug George Floyd. You all are further destroying black communities across this country and many whites will quietly distance themselves in the coming years because of this. It’s not racism, it’s just a political game and we will no longer be a part of it.
Elana says
Violet, it’s very simple. I do not stand for racism.
Mark Crichton says
I agree with every word from
Violet , that was factual and
nothing but truth.
Thanks Violet!
Please people wake up!
Elana says
Mark, it’s easy to get distracted from the real point which is simple –that we need to end racism.
Marilyn Lake says
Thank you for your courage to lead from your heart and kitchen, Elana. Your bravery and words uplift me, we need to do more about systemic racism in Canada too, and I am encouraged by your brave post to not just quietly enjoy the benefits of white privilege. We all have the same DNA and rights to freedom, respect and opportunity. The leadership in all areas of policing the armed forces and political leaders needs an upgrade very fast, and hopefully this tragic week will begin these changes.
Elana says
Marilyn, that is fantastic –that I lead from my heart and my kitchen, and in that order. Yes, we all deserve the same rights, it’s just that simple.
Miranda says
Thanks for your courage Elana.
I’ve been visiting you for many years and love your work x
Elana says
Thanks so much Miranda.
Anna says
Elana,
Love your site and refer to it often. As a Native American we don’t want racism and injustice and I know all that committed this injustice will be held accountable. But we also need law and order and knot chaos like what us on this video.
Police Search For Memphis Rioter Accused Of Strangling Stolen Puppy To Death
https://saraacarter.com/police-search-for-memphis-rioter-accused-of-strangling-stolen-puppy-to-death/
Stay safe!
Anna
Elana says
Thanks Anna. I’m so grateful to the many peaceful protestors, just as George Floyd’s brother is.
Maria says
Thank you <3 It's important to listen, talk and do more…do better. I'm so very glad to have received this update on my email.
Elana says
Thanks Maria.
Micky Shorr says
Thank you for your comments. I completely agree that white people need to speak out against racial injustice. I wonder if you could share any other specific actions you would take to support black people.
Elana says
Micky, thanks for your comment. Reading and making donations is not nearly enough and I plan to work on that. Very open to your suggestions!
Denise says
Thank you, Elana. This needs to be said by white people – no matter if we’re food bloggers or acupuncturists (me) or any other profession. I am trying to find words to say to my patients about this. Because if I don’t say anything, I’m saying it’s ok.
Elana says
Denise, well said. .