The Lilac Foundation stands in solidarity with the black community and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Until the black lives matter, we all matter.
The Lilac Foundation stands in solidarity with the black community and the Black Lives Matter movement. Yes we do experience racism but when we talk about the severity of these experiences, our experiences do not compare to those in the black community. The core issue at hand is police brutality and the systemic racism against the black community.
Within the Filipino community, the issue of anti-blackness runs deep in the culture as it traces through periods of colonialism that has cultivated the mentality of colourism, and white supremacy - the superiority of whiteness in appearance and in demeanour. Through generations, Filipinos at a young age are taught the division of white versus black; the appearance of darker skin is undesirable, and other stereotypes that are rooted from internalized colourism. Although people of colour experience disadvantages, Filipinos and other ethnicities do hold a degree of privilege in North America.
Asian immigrants, especially Filipinos, come to North America in hopes to live a better life. As immigrants arrive in these countries, they do not realize the centuries of exploitation of the black community and the white supremacy that is ingrained in the history. When we ignore this issue, we are encouraging this ideology and ignoring the systemic shortcomings. With that said, it puts other communities at a disadvantage and we are unintentionally supporting and participating in anti-blackness.
Once other communities understand and participate in a system that upholds from systemic discrimination, it is one step closer to to anti-racism in the country.
“If we don’t live in a world where black people aren’t protected, the next day it could be another group facing similar forms of oppression.”
“If you are a Christian, and can’t hear #BlackLivesMatter without feeling the need to respond with a criticism that “All Live Matter,” then crack open your Bible and hit up Luke 15.
Don’t have it handy? Let me summarize. There are 100 sheep, but one goes missing. Jesus leaves the 99 and goes after the one. The 99: “But… what about us? Don’t we matter?” Of course the 99 still matter, but they’re not the ones in danger. The one is. I’ll say it again, #BlackLivesMatter.” @manny_arteaga