Mandela,

As an African American that works in the tech space, I can relate to you on the feeling of not being noticed when there is so much going on around you that directly effects you as a person. I work for a small startup company that deals in solar and as a member of the IT department, I have to interact with a great number of people on a daily basis. Now given that I work for a startup company, we only have a little over 100 employees. Out of those 100 or more employees, only ONE, ONE asked me about the situation unfolding around me in relation to race and cops killings unarmed Black Americans. This one person also happened to work in my department. I really appreciated the fact that he was aware of what is going on in the world and wants to know my opinion on it and ask how I feel.

After we had our conversation, I came out of it understanding that most people rather keep this kind of thing to themselves and play ignorance. It’s a sad fact that in 2016 one would feel the need to keep feelings and opinions about race to themselves to not upset those around them that may not care as much. You should check in on your co-workers and friends that are being affected by this emotionally. I know that there are some things that you should keep yourself out of because you fear that you may bring more trouble to yourself or loved ones, but this is not one of them. Someone speaking up about the injustices of the world will only help to make the world a better place in all honesty and bring light on events and situations that have been happening for decades without any sort of intervention.

Overall, I’m glad that your boss took the time to ask you how you were doing with all the events going on. I can’t say that I have very many people around me that would consider to do something like that for me, but if they did, I would be more appreciative of that then them remembering to invite me to a house party or giving me a gift on my birthday. Show concern and show that you are willing to voice your opinion on things that don’t sit well with you. It may make a world of difference to the people around you.