In this time when our country, the “land of the free,” is seemingly fissured more and more by each nightfall, it is of utmost importance we stand with those who are being victimized, regardless of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. When innocent lives are taken far too soon, we must rush to the sides of the families and close friends, to be certain they know we are there, standing in solidarity. They are our black brothers and sisters, our brothers and sisters in uniform, not our enemies. Whether it be Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Alton Sterling or the police officers ambushed in Dallas, it is not a time when we, as a country, can afford to be taking steps backward.

Most everyone can agree, the senseless violence displayed in our nation is sick and incites anger, lights a fire in people like nothing else does. But the energy accrued following these events can be channeled into other, crucial outlets. Regardless of whether or not you think you are being heard, there is always a way to use your voice in a positive, incredibly meaningful way. Join peaceful protests, speak your mind and lend a hand to those who haven’t yet found their voice because everyone deserves a chance to have someone speak up on their behalf. It is not our job to judge, hinder another person’s growth or decide their worth. The work put into moving forward, united, cannot be extinguished if we accept, love and grow as team, the home of the brave.

An important distinction to make is the acute difference between free speech and hateful, oppressive statements. While it’s generally something most of us haven’t heard since elementary school, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all,” might need to be reiterated. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have a strong opinion or occasionally air your grievances, but being tactless and cutting is not the way to go about it. Conversations are far more productive than arguments, and taking time to really listen to the other side rather than constantly planning a rebuttal is valuable for both parties. While it may not change your mind, or theirs, having an understanding of where they’re coming from is essential. The topics of gun control, racism and many other congressional issues are intensely polarizing, which makes it harder and harder to get a point across; people from each side feel just as strongly about their viewpoints. Whether or not you agree with someone’s thoughts, doesn’t mean you have to go to the ends of the Earth to invalidate them.

With so much hate and destruction in the world, it would be nothing short of incredible to come together, and end domestic attacks on our own people. Keep your heart and mind open, always. Hold your hand out to those who have fallen, always. Stay united, always.

Please consider visiting blacklivesmatter.com or www.glaad.org to see how you can help those wrongfully persecuted for who they are.