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200 Days Ago, I Committed to Making a Difference—Here’s My Journey So Far
by Jade L. Carter
Updated: November 16, 2020
Originally Published: November 13, 2020
In just 8 minutes and 46 seconds, everything changed for me.
I’m Jade L. Carter, a mixed-race woman who identifies as Black. While watching the heartbreaking scene of George Floyd on the ground, calling out for his mother, I was abruptly brought back to reality by my three-year-old son’s innocent voice. “Mama, what’s wrong?” he asked. “Mama, why are you crying?”
I struggled to find the right words. Instead, I wrapped him in my arms, inhaling the familiar scent of his hair, and said, “Mama’s okay. Everything’s fine, sweetheart.” But inside, I was flooded with thoughts about the things I wished I could explain to him.
When he asked me, “Mama, what’s wrong?” I couldn’t express the harsh realities of living in a society where those meant to protect you might harm you simply based on your appearance. I lacked the words to describe the deep-rooted injustices established centuries ago that could one day impact him. I wanted to shield him from the darkness of the world but knew I had to offer him hope as well.
So, like any determined mother, I decided to create that hope myself.
I dedicated myself to developing inclusive and anti-racist art resources tailored for children and beyond. I spent my days and evenings organizing marches and reading books about activism to children in local parks. I engaged with international media and shared my art during peace conferences. I launched The Change Makers Program to provide caregivers, students, and teachers nationwide with community-supported, diversity-focused art; titles like “C is for Community” and “A is for Ally” are now displayed in classrooms across the country, and I couldn’t be prouder.
I became the change I wanted to see, fostering a brighter future for my children. After nearly 200 days of waking up every day with the intent to make a difference, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: Everyone has a voice.
Previously, I often excluded myself from conversations about Black liberation for various reasons. As a woman of color married to a white man with white-passing children, I recognize my privilege. I have the comfort of knowing that my husband and children are generally safe. Many in the Black community do not share that same luxury. In this country, skin tones resembling rich cinnamon or dark chocolate can be dangerous.
My personal struggles may not mirror those of others in the Black community, but that doesn’t diminish my value in this movement. We all have a voice that deserves to be heard.
To all mothers out there, we need you.
To artists, we need you.
To chefs, managers, clerks, actuaries, and astronauts, we NEED you.
Everyone has a unique gift and purpose. For me, it’s art; for you, it may be something else entirely. That diversity is what makes our world beautiful. Our individual experiences offer lessons that can uplift and drive change.
The community I’ve been fortunate to be part of in these past 200 days has brought me so much. I could not have made such significant strides without the support of people from all walks of life rallying behind me. Just look at how far we’ve come.
To those still finding their footing in the Black Lives Matter and Human Rights movements, I urge you: Use your voice.
- Use it to educate our children.
- Use it to amplify our message.
- Use it to challenge hate speech and guide difficult conversations toward progress.
- Use your voice and resources to support Black businesses, elect Black leaders, and protect Black individuals in your community.
The path forward is one we must take together. Let’s change the world.
As featured on major platforms, I am Jade L. Carter, an imaginative illustrator whose work is making an impact. Discover my unique art at www.jadecreative.org and support The Change Makers Program to provide inclusive educational tools to teachers and caregivers across the nation.