All my life, I have been told to make a difference by standing up for myself. I was encouraged to speak out when I faced injustice instead of suffering in silence. I was taught to stand firm in my faith and opinions, and not to be swayed by what others might say to convince me otherwise. As I matured, I formed my own opinions, but I never really felt the need to defend them. Until now.

The countless acts of hatred and sheer violence that African Americans all over the country have experienced recently leaves me absolutely heartbroken and disgusted. I am so unbelievably angered at America, a country that claims to be so modern and advanced, yet still clings to the racist prejudices of a hundred years ago. I'm angered at our society that claims to love and respect everyone, but sits back as its own members get murdered on a morning jog, or begging for their life at the hands of a police officer. This has become so much more than a battle over racism or politics, it is a battle for basic human rights that so many people have been deprived of because of the color of their skin.

The past couple of days have left me feeling powerless. The issue at hand is so heavy and immense, I felt like there wasn't really anything I could do. And while it won't singlehandedly erase all the racism and prejudice in our country, I decided to do exactly what I was taught to do at a young age: to make a difference by using my voice and standing against the horrors surrounding African Americans in America today.

Unfortunately, defending yourself and your opinions usually results in a little backlash. I have had numerous unsettling discussions with family members, and seen so many disheartening posts on Facebook. I've been told that since I am not black, I "shouldn't be so angry over this." I have read Facebook comments about racism and how it "has always been an issue, and will always be one" or how vicious acts of police brutality "happen to all races." I have gotten the implied message that I am "too young" to understand the "complexity" of this issue, and cannot do anything to end it.

I may be young, but I know right from wrong and the recent tragedies have risen to be so much more than wrong. They are unAmerican, inhumane, and should not be tolerated in this day and age. It is not enough to see these murders, feel sad for a minute or two, and then return back to reality as usual. It is not enough to watch the videos of these horrific acts and scroll on to the next news story. Silence is proving to be almost as dangerous as these situations were; if no one speaks out about these things, nothing will ever change.

And that's why I will use my voice. I will continue to have these difficult conversations with friends and family members, even those who might not agree with everything I have to say. I will like, comment, retweet, share the things I see on social media and continue to spread awareness on the many injustices African Americans are still faced with today. I will sign every petition for change and justice I come across. These simple actions may not ever bring about any real change, but they are a thousand times better than sitting back and doing nothing.

Do these things! Have these conversations. Post on all your social media platforms. Sign any and all petitions you see. And when the time comes, vote for the people that will strive to create change and put an end to the corruption in the justice system. You may not think your voice matters, but it does. I may be young and white, but I will not be silent. I'm hurting, I'm listening, I'm praying, I'm supporting, and I will be standing up against the systematic racism of our country as long as it takes.