In the Words of Marvin Gaye......What in the world is going on?

This year has been incredibly bizarre in so many strange and heart breaking ways that at times we don't really know what to say.

Our general ethos at LYL is to share positivity, light and encouragement, but sometimes you really do have to face uncomfortable truths.

LYL is a black owned business. Like so many of you, we've recently watched the world come to a racial tipping point when George Floyd, an innocent man  was killed by police brutality.  Unfortunately, this is not a new or standalone incident, as systemic racism has resulted in many deaths and casualties in the black community. Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile.....the list is too long and far too painful.

It ignited outrage and frustration across the world and rightly so. We couldn't help but think that the backdrop of a global pandemic that forced us all to pause and be present, has made the world pay attention and examine itself. 

We were left with many questions.

How is it that we as humans allow such injustices to not just exist, but repeat frequently?

How is it that in the midst of social distancing and a pandemic that disproportionately impacts black and ethnic minorities.... are black men and women still being targeted by police or giddy civilians?

How is the statement 'Black Lives Matter', still a question?

As painful as this time has been, we are hopeful that this moment will lead to change. Change within our organisations, police force, judicial system, political structure and more. 

We do not just want diversity to be a buzzword that is only surface level. We need change in our hearts and in the hearts of the institutions we build.

The protests of so many people across the world of different races and ethnicities has been beautiful to see. It's amazing that something so tragic has helped unite us and remind us that together we can change the world we live in. 

Rest in peace George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castille, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Stephen Lawrence and the many, many, many others, who have been killed by racism.

Here are some useful links below:

Black Lives Matter

The Steven Lawrence Trust

How You Can Support Black People Today, Tomorrow & Forever

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Xo

The LYL Team