Black Lives Matter

perspectives from people of color on the fight for justice in our nation.

Brianna Sattinger

Bri has been a friend of mine since high school. She is so kind and gentle, her laugh brings joy to everyone she is around, and she was one of the people I most looked forward to talking to during my day. I remember a time in my life where I used to believe that racism didn’t exist in this country. That MLK and Rosa Parks had single-handedly fought the…

Chris Prudent

Chris (or RA Chris as many people know him) is a wise and well-spoken friend. He is talented, firm in his pursuit of the Lord, and patient. He makes everyone around him feel known within seconds of a conversation with him. One thing I believe we could all do a better job of today is listening and making an effort to understand each other. Listening to someone else share their…

Denika Nickeo

Denika is intentional, compassionate, and faithful in prayer. She uses her voice powerfully and is loved so well by her people. She seeks the Lord with persistence and she is a warrior for those she comes into contact with. The past few weeks for me have been crazy, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. At the same time I have experienced joy and hope in a new way. I think that’s the power…

Sierra Jarrell

I got to know Sierra in Jamaica last year, and she was cemented in my mind as a prayer warrior, a woman on fire for the Lord, and someone who seeks His voice and sees it so clearly. Sierra is passionate, honest, brave, and wise. I’m going to get real honest for a second. I am tired y’all. I am tired of fighting for change. I am tired of being…

Shawn Ohuabunwa

The chance to walk alongside Shawn this year is an honor I do not take lightly, and I am so thankful for the way the Lord has anointed his voice. Shawn uses his voice so powerfully: he doesn’t speak poorly of anyone, he takes a stand for what he believes in, he pursues the Lord fervently and honestly and he isn’t afraid to share about what God is doing in…

Morgan Ford

Morgan is a queen through and through. She is so fun to be around and she raises the spirit of any room she walks into. She is honest, kind, and brave. She meets people where they are at and seeks to truly know them. I think the biggest thing I wanna say to my fellow young Black men and women is not to feel like they have to take on this fight…

Aryssa Braxton

I went to high school with Aryssa, and she was always a joyful, easy-going, and fun presence to be around. And yet at the same time, she made everyone feel seen and included. Aryssa is hilarious and genuine, and someone whose face I miss seeing and laughing with every day! Seeing this BLM matter movement finally happen and come together has meant a lot to me, my peers, and my…

Khemisha Brown

Khemisha is someone who I honestly wish I’d taken more advantage of time with this year. She is wise and kind, she is so highly spoken of in our community, and her laugh spreads joy wherever she goes. She also took the time to write for this site a second time and I am so thankful. Yesterday at dinner as my family discussed everything going on right now and the…

Kweku Hudson

I got to know Kweku in Jamaica this year, and am so honored he took the time to write for this website again! Kweku is so quick to care for his people. He is funny, authentic, and bold. He is easy-going and such a joyful spirit! These past two weeks or so have consisted of some of the most mentally draining days of my life. Watching a black man like me…

Gene Bouchelion

Gene is a compassionate and talented woman who is endlessly creative and fun. She is bold, driven, and authentic. She stands up for what she believes in and uses her voice and her artistic talent to create some beautiful things. Remembering to breathe has been something I constantly need to keep reminding myself to do in this extremely frustrating and devastating time when my country, it’s leaders, and it’s justice & police…