Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: pandemic

  • Finding My Voice: Reflections on Race, Resilience, and Hope

    Finding My Voice: Reflections on Race, Resilience, and Hope

    The last couple of months have been heavy — really heavy. Between living through a global pandemic and witnessing the ongoing fight against police brutality and racism, it’s been a lot to process. Today, I wanted to slow down, take a deep breath, and write from the heart about some of my personal experiences and how I’m feeling right now.

    Growing up, I had “the talk” — the one that so many Black families have. It wasn’t about birds or bees; it was about how to act around police and how to keep myself safe. I learned early on that if something ever happened, I should call my family first — not necessarily the police. It’s an unfair reality, but it’s one that has been passed down through generations.

    As someone who’s mixed, my experience has always existed in a sort of in-between space. I’ve been surrounded by love from family on all sides, but I’ve also had to sit through uncomfortable moments — moments when people questioned white privilege, dismissed “Black Lives Matter” with “Blue Lives Matter,” or ignored racism simply because it didn’t affect them personally. Those conversations hurt. They chipped away at something inside me for a while.

    But instead of letting that pain change how I see myself, it changed how I see them.
    It taught me who was willing to listen — and who wasn’t. It showed me that silence in the face of racism is just another form of harm. And though it’s exhausting to always be the one explaining why Black lives matter, I’ve learned to find strength in my voice.

    Sometimes, I still feel drained — like I’ve hit a wall. It’s frustrating to live in a world where I have to defend my humanity, to explain history that’s easily accessible if people just cared enough to learn. But at the same time, I have hope. I see friends, family, and communities showing up, speaking out, and learning how to be better allies.

    That gives me strength.
    That gives me peace.

    I’m still learning how to navigate certain relationships — especially with people I love who hold views I can’t support. But I know I’ll find what’s right for me, and I hope you will too.

    Change takes courage. It takes compassion. And it takes choosing to care, every single day. I still believe we can get there — with open hearts, honest conversations, and a shared hope for something better.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3in6eZb9w
  • How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement: Simple, Real Ways to Help

    How to Support the Black Lives Matter Movement: Simple, Real Ways to Help

    If you’ve been feeling unsure about how to support the Black Lives Matter movement, you’re not alone. A few of my friends reached out to ask what they could do, so I wanted to put together something heartfelt and practical — something that can be shared and referenced as you continue learning and taking action.

    Supporting change doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step matters. Here’s how you can get started:

    1. Educate Yourself

    This is where it begins — with awareness, reflection, and a willingness to grow.
    Take the time to read, listen, and unlearn. It’s perfectly okay to ask questions, but remember, it’s not your Black friends’ responsibility to teach you. Growth is a personal journey, and it’s okay if you realize that your past beliefs or assumptions weren’t right. What matters is what you do now.

    Here are some great resources to start with:

    2. Take Action

    Once you’ve learned, it’s time to act — in ways that align with who you are and where you are.

    Donate
    Financial support can make a real difference. A few trusted options include:

    Protest
    If you feel comfortable and safe, look into local protests or community gatherings.
    Show up, listen, and protect those around you. Your presence and voice matter.

    Call Out Racism
    When you hear or see racism — online, in conversation, or in your own circles — speak up. Change only happens when silence ends.

    Be a Friend
    Check in on your friends, especially those in the Black community. You don’t need to assume how they’re doing, but a simple “I’m thinking of you” can go a long way. Remember, this pain is generational and deeply felt, especially during times of crisis.

    Vote
    Voting is powerful. Elect leaders who are committed to racial justice and equality.
    You can also reach out to your elected officials — federal, state, and local — to voice your support for anti-racist policies.

    Keep Talking About It
    Conversations about anti-racism need to happen often — at home, with friends, and even with your kids. Change starts with awareness, and awareness starts with dialogue.

    The road toward equality and justice is ongoing, but if we each take responsibility for our part, we’ll get there together. 💛

    Feel free to share this post or these resources — every share helps spread understanding and action.

    Other Resources: 

    Curious Parenting
    “For more resources on raising anti-racist kids, check out the resources The Conscious Kid, Teaching Tolerance, and Mamademics have created.”
    A Practical Guide to Defunding the Police
    No More Money for the Police
    Do Something
    White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack



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