We Demand Change - Nikole’s Story

These past weeks have been exhausting and filled with anger + disbelief as my black brothers and sisters are continuously seen as the enemy/threat from our white counterparts.

We are fed up of the senseless deaths and violence. We demand change.

I am unapologetic about how I am a proud black woman who loves and embraces my black roots and heritage. BLACK LIVES MATTERS. BLACK GIRL MAGIC.

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL.

We are ALL specifically made in God’s image. We are all seen as Americans.

Most importantly, we are brothers and sisters in Christ under the instruction of our Lord and Savior.

During this time, we call for unity, peace, and respect from all.

People need to understand that the black community is NOT going anywhere.

Justice should not stop after the arrest of George Floyd's murder.

Remember all other black men and women who have lost their lives by the hands of police officers.

Police officers who are supposed to protect and serve their communities.

As a recent college graduate, I attended a predominantly white institution where I experienced racism in small and big ways.

I learned that I had to work twice as hard as most students. I knew I was under a fine microscope as if someone was waiting for me to mess up.

Some might say, why go to a PWI? Why continue to face the struggle for 4 years?

I grew into my own identity and learned to love myself for who I am with its imperfections.

I appreciate my time at my college and learned my voice and its impact as I made connections with students to faculty/staff around campus.

I, Nikole Taylor, am black and proud. I will continue to speak up for injustice and call out others' wrongs—my life matters.

I am worthy.

So did the lives of many others like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor who did not receive the same indication that their life was valuable.