Reflection on the Two Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder

Toronto, ON, May 27, 2022 –Black Talent Initiative (BTI) was founded after the tragic murder of George Floyd, with renewed hope that a better world is possible. Unfortunately, the last few weeks have made it hard to hang onto that sentiment today as our new feeds continue to flood with the senseless mass shootings and killings that have recently taken place, leaving an immeasurable amount of trauma and pain on our communities.

It has been two years since the murder of George Floyd and like many Black folk, I will not watch any media posted, that depicts our people being killed and brutalized. I could go on a rant about how mainstream media and politicians focus on those committing these atrocities, but I will leave that for another day as the focus should remain on the unnecessary losses and preventable pain that continue to transpire.

As the mother of a Black toddler, I try my very best to protect my son’s innocence knowing very well that one day I will have to sit him down and share with him the unequitable reality of what it is like to be Black in this society. I will have to tell him to always be polite and comply with the authorities. I will have to demonstrate what to do if he is ever pulled over by the police and I will have to beg him to please kiddo whatever you do, don’t forget to “put your hoodie down”.

In all honesty, I know that my two-year old son may be seen as cute today, but in just 10 years from now when he is a young Black boy walking in his neighborhood, there is a possibility that he may not make it home. That thought absolutely terrifies me because for many Black families this has been their unequitable reality. Their loved ones never made it home because their lives were stripped away from them due to the colour of their skin. Then the media sensualizes these horrific stories, followed by the outpowering of “thoughts and prayers”. A few days pass and our newsfeeds get quiet. Things seem to go back to “normal” until the next tragedy happens and then the cycle repeats.

We cannot allow ourselves to get used to this. We cannot allow ourselves to become dehumanized and desensitized to the murdering of our people. #SayTheirNames! Remember them. Honour them. Celebrate them. Continue to scream that ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER – every single day until we start to see a change!

And while advocation is important, let’s not forget that collective action is necessary to tackle anti-Black racism and hate. We Black people cannot act alone. We cannot bear this burden as a “Black issue”. This is a community issue. This is a national issue. This is an international issue.

As the Executive Director of BTI, I am privileged to work with some amazing humans who collectively believe, advocate, and work towards achieving a better world for our Black leaders of today and tomorrow. I thank our Founders, Volunteers, my Team, and the support I get from the MH3 Collective every day. The community we create and surround ourselves with is key, so when you are unable to show up and put in the work because you are so angry, hurt, and traumatized by unnecessary killings and viral hate, others show up for you because that is what community is.

To the communities that continue to support us, love us, cherish us, fight for us every single day, we say thank you. This week has truly been a very tough one for us all. I ask that you please check on the Black people in your lives. Some may need the time and space to process all of this, so respect that, but just make sure you don’t forget to tell them how much you love them and care because as we know, the unequitable reality of a Black person today, is that tomorrow is not promised.

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About Black Talent Initiative (BTI)

Black Talent Initiative (BTI) is a volunteer-driven, social impact organization committed to delivering professional development, mentorship and community for Black talent seeking career advancement. Volunteers and partners across North America collaborate with BTI to create connections and career opportunities for Black talent. An MH3 Collective venture, BTI was born of shared compassion, lived experience, and a vision to inspire equitable, anti-racist workplaces for today and tomorrow. To join the movement and learn more, visit blacktalentinitiative.network.

About MH3 Collective

The MH3 Collective is a group of ventures inspired and co-founded by Mark Harrison. From advertising and sponsorship marketing to integrated communications and education, each company shares a collective consciousness that focuses on empowering people, promoting social equity and reimagining a world where entrepreneurial passion and purpose comes to life. Follow MH3 Collective on LinkedIn to learn more.

For media inquiries:

Lushwana Anderson-Stewart

lushwana.anderson-stewart@blacktalentinitiative.network