Today’s #BeKind21 message is brought to you by our partners at Girls Inc.

Meet Maya, a Girls Inc. girl from Memphis, Tennessee. Following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, Maya spent time reflecting and processing her thoughts and emotions. She decided that, for her, kindness is rooted in activism, which compelled her to have unflinching conversations about racial justice with her friends and family, and in her local community. 

I have experienced a whirlwind of emotions over the past couple of weeks. It has been incredible to witness the entire world unified under a single cause: human rights. People are beginning to recognize the possibility of a bright future where funds allocated to police departments are redistributed back into education, health care, public transportation, libraries, parks, housing, and mental health resources for our communities. It is such an incredible experience to be able to put forth my own voice and to take steps towards justice alongside millions of others who share the same vision for our future. 

My involvement in Girls Inc. and the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council has taught me the importance of advocacy and the power that I hold to demand change and to speak against injustice. I have been able to gain the confidence and the courage to stand up and speak out for myself and for others. 

Progress cannot take place within an echo chamber, and we need to have these tough conversations in order to make real change. 

Your kindness challenge today: Take action to show your kindness. Sign petitions, donate, vote, educate, protest, spread awareness, use your social media platforms, have tough conversations, and hold yourself and others accountable. Do everything in your power to fight for freedom and justice.

Learn more about how Girls Inc. supported me as a girl, leader, and activist. You, or the girl in your life, can join today!

In Kindness,

Maya from Girls Inc. 

P.S. Invite someone to join the challenge: bornthisway.foundation/bekind21.