Dawn Michelle's Reviews > When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir

I am not black.
I am not queer.
I am not a former prisoner, have never been in jail or had family in jail.

I grew up poor, but I have no idea. No. Idea. Whatsoever.

I have never had family ripped from their beds by police in the middle of the night just because they "might" fit the profile of someone the police are looking for.
I was [nor were any of my friends] never thrown in jail just for hanging out together.
I have never been shot at just for having different color skin than those around me.
I have never had to live in fear of being pulled over by police [and possibly being shot and dying] simply because of the color of my skin.
I have never had to live in fear and be afraid of retribution or jail or attacks simply for who I have chosen to both be and love.

I am a cis, white female who strives daily to preach and believe in equality for all.
I used to believe I was knowledgeable in this topic.
I was wrong.

This book has completely changed me. I spent much of it crying and apologizing for the atrocities that have been inflicted on Patrisse, her family, her chosen family and indeed, all black lives and POC. This book humbled me. It reminded me of how much I DO NOT KNOW. And that head knowledge is not the same as heart and life knowledge. But it DID teach me. It made me angry. And it reminded me over and over again that I. HAVE. NO. CLUE.
It reminded me that I do have to learn; I had to educate myself and then get involved. I have to practice more compassion and empathy. I have to fight harder against injustice. And I have to let go of the fear of what people think of me when I stand up for what I believe is right because clearly, THAT is not a true fear.

This book educated me.
This book reminded me of who I want to be as a human being.
This book should be required reading for everyone.

May we all strive to make this a world where everyone belongs and lives without fear.

#BlackLivesMatter