After recent events that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s more important than ever to speak out against hate and bigotry.

There are many situations where remaining neutral is acceptable. However, fighting racism and bigotry is not something that can be achieved by remaining neutral. To not publicly denounce the actions of these white supremacists is to side with them. The only way to create a fight against bigotry and hatred is to actively condemn these kinds of actions.

Remaining neutral or trying to “see both sides" allows space for acceptance of these actions and makes bigots think that there is a chance that their “side" is worth seeing or understanding. The actions necessary to reverse this kind of hatred also must no longer rest upon the backs of minorities. Ultimately, it is white people who created this kind of hatred, it is not the responsibility of people of color to actively try to undo the hatred that was created against them. Because white people are in a place of privilege in society, it is imperative that white folk actively denounce this racism.

The responsibility of fighting back should not solely rest on the backs of those who are oppressed in this society. They did not create this hate therefore disbanding it is not on them. It is on the backs of the socially privileged.

Speak out and speak out actively. Every single little bit of activism against hatred and bigotry matters. Speak out against racist family members or friends, donate to local BLM groups and publicly and actively disapprove of this hatred no matter what.

It is time to fight back. It has been time for centuries.