There are going to be a lot of emotions today. As always, do NOT belittle someone’s feelings. Do not tell anyone that they are overreacting. That is never ever going to solve anything and will only cause more hurt. If you see someone posting about it do not remind them of the verdict and what it means, because honestly, they already know. Let them have their reaction. Let them be concerned for black youth in this country. This is a legitimate concern to have. This is not the first incident. This is not the first time we’ve been through this and there are several, several, several cases that have gone unheard, or if they have been heard, this has been the result.

Be respectful today, and every other day. This is not a day to come over and point to facts and remind people of verdicts and “justice” being served, this is a day to be respectful of people’s feelings and worries, because they’re far from being invalid. Also, if you see someone posting “Black Lives Matters” do not, for the love of everything, respond with “All Lives Matter.” We know. We know that. We KNOW that.

No one is suggesting that we exclude others, we are asking that you start including us and treating us like people instead of criminals because of the color of our skin.

If you respond with “All Lives Matter” you are missing the point completely.

Racism is a very real thing. If you can’t understand why I would post about it but support my plus size posts, then I don’t really have much to say, because as much as I am fat I am also very much black, and racism is very real, and to me this is yet another black youth on the ever growing list. 

Please respect my feelings and everyone else’s feelings today. I know you’re capable of it, and I know you are all an understanding and loving group of people who I am thankful to have supporting me. A lot of people are going to need support today, so please show that same consideration that you always do.