PROTEST - (v) - express an objection to what someone has said or done
The systemic devaluing of black lives has finally made it to the collective consciousness
of our world and it is an understatement to say that there is much work to do to change
this reality. However, I have heard countless individuals questioning what they can and
should do and ultimately is it meaningful or impactful. The sure fire way to be
ineffective is to do nothing, so PROTEST. Know that the appropriate action of PROTEST
is not the same for every individual. Your act of protest may be to march. It may be to
educate. It may be to donate. It may be to support someone. Trust the value of your
involvement at the level of things you can touch directly. Influence requires
connectivity. So every individual step is movement and the coordination (seen and
unseen) of such with the different, unique steps of others moves mountains.

PROTECT - (v) - keep safe from harm or injury
What is at greatest risk right now? You. In order to breed success in this challenging
time, you must PROTECT self. Protect your emotional space. Allow yourself to explore
your feelings and experience EACH one of them authentically. Know that emotions are
not competing and that you need to allow yourself to feel contrary emotions at the
same time. For example, you can feel frustrated that there are still no arrests in the
Breonna Taylor case and elated that you landed a major contract. You are the author of
your happiness, so create. Then tell your own story sharing your passion and
convictions. Yet protect your personal space. Be mindful of who and what you let near
you because you cannot control others. Know who is worthy of being in and who has
betrayed the privileged access previously granted. Know your tolerance levels and your
needs and communicate them openly. Be committed to keeping self safe from harm.

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PROFESS - (v) - affirm one’s faith in or allegiance to spiritual beliefs

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Ps 34:1
You are mind, body AND soul and you must PROFESS your trust in God. Embrace your
spiritual connection along with the comfort and power that comes along with it. Spend
quality, quiet time in prayer where you draw from the peace it provides. God gives
direction in stillness and confirmation of the value of your life. As you continually renew
your faith and commitment to faith as an action, persistence stays your new normal.
The more you believe you matter, the more you embody Black Lives +Minds Matter.

1. HUG - Stand behind him, wrap your arms around him, and whisper to him, “You are
loved.” SQUEEZE!
The first line of coping is to focus on the things you can control. You can control what you touch and how you feel. Physically connect with the one you desire to protect. As you stand behind the one you love, you remind him that he has immediate support and someone to stand with him. Your embrace ensures that in you there is a safe space where there is no question of his worth, only admiration for all he is and all he represents. Express your feelings of love because that amplifies their existence. Squeeze so that his racing heart can slow to match the calming rhythm of your own.

2. HOLD HANDS – Link hands with those who can help you create an unbreakable chain of protection. SQUEEZE!
We know that there is strength in unity and you must join hands with others close to you who know and are getting to know the pains of racism. Discovering ways to stand together and to have the difficult conversations that have all too often been avoided is essential. It’s time to share your personal stories of racial injustice. Your resilience is necessary, but remember, just because you can carry it does not mean it isn’t heavy. Enlist the support of others so that the weight does not slowly wear you down too far. Those who say they love you need to be a link in the chain of protection. This includes transparency with nonpersons of color not simply to educate them, but to invoke an empathy that moves them to action. It’s been said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. SQUEEZE so all are reminded to stand strong together.

3. HELP – Call for those in power to make systematic changes that are lasting and
enforceable. Apply pressure strategically and continuously. SQUEEZE!
There is desperate need for societal reforms in so many areas to attack the debilitating impact of racism. This is an ongoing process that requires organized plans of action and collective effort. Given the complexity of what is needed, it inherent that everyone’s role is not the same. Do the work to determine how you can effectively engage with the change engine. Thrust against that which seems unmovable so that cracks become chasms that become the crumbling of that which is oppressive. SQUEEZE so that the pressure is consistent and resolve the only thing that triggers release.

4. HEAL – Clasp your hands together and pray to GOD, the one who is able to heal the
land. SQUEEZE!

2 Chronicles 7:14 says this “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Your spiritual connection is a source of strength. Take time to commune with God and to feel the comfort of the holy spirit. Commit your ways to Him and allow Him to lead. Remember God is present when you are not. Call for His protection over those you love and for Him to heal this troubled land. SQUEEZE so that you never forget to hold on to God’s unchanging hand.

5. REPEAT – Peace is a complex process and you must be prepared to repeat steps 1
through 4. SQUEEZE until there are no longer obstructions to his freedom to BREATHE!