Black Lives Will Always Matter
We don’t get political, but it shouldn’t be political to say it
IT’S HARD TO SEE what we’re seeing right now. And yet, we can’t look away; we have a moral obligation to watch, to learn, and when we can, to help. I won’t get bogged down in looting vs protesting, of black vs white. I’d call the events we’re watching unfold “unprecedented”, but that would be an insult to the black citizens who have been experiencing this sort of discrimination and abuse for centuries.
The public are angry, and justifiably so, and we at MaximumPC cannot stand by and be silent while all this goes on. If you are one of our many black readers, know that we stand with you. If you are not, I am personally calling on you to be on the right side of history. You can always do more to amplify the words of the marginalized and oppressed. Sign petitions, share resources, donate, attend peaceful protests, write to your elected officials, support black businesses and communities, read, research and learn about everything that’s going on, even when it’s hard to bear witness. Reach out to your black friends, colleagues, relatives, and ask what you can do to help. At MaximumPC we’re also going to be making a concerted effort to build a more diverse base of writers. If you’re a black tech writer, please reach out to us so we can talk about getting your work in the magazine on a regular basis.
I myself have been attending peaceful protests and donating to good, reputable causes too, and I encourage you all to do the same: the NAACP, Freedom Fund and International Justice Mission are all good places to direct your funds and speak up for justice and equality with your wallet. Even better, do some research into supporting local charities that are assisting those hurt and displaced by police violence.
As I write this, the protests are growing even larger, and police and government bodies are finally starting to capitulate to the demands of the people for their human rights to be upheld and respected as they deserve. I desperately hope that by the time you read this, we’ll have started to see genuine, long-lasting, and positive change in our society. That said, our work may never be done; we must never be complacent, or cowed, we must never be silent. It’s time for this nation and its police force to be held accountable for its actions, no matter what. Racism has absolutely no place in our incredible PC-building community in any capacity, or here at MaximumPC. Black lives matter.