I won’t remember the many derogatory quotes from failed leaders, fake acquaintances, or far-away promises and fantasies from politicians.

But I will remember each and every “friend” who said nothing, did nothing, and stood by while Black and brown people perished in the hands of your people.

I will remember waiting and waiting and waiting, almost patiently, on a response to the violence toward my people by your people.

I will remember that you chose not to speak up or take up for humans who were discriminated against and treated worse than animals.

They say to never say never, but I will never, ever forget your silence.

Your silence causes violence to people I love.

Your silence speaks so loud I can’t hear you when you say you just want to stay out of it.

Your silence is so blinding I can’t see your texts when my phone notifies me of your lackluster presence in my life.

Your silence is so loud I can’t bring myself to call you a friend.

Your silence causes violence to the people I love.

-Miranda Lattimore

A note from the author:

This piece does not mean that you should go post Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes on your social feeds. This post was relevant a year ago, four years ago, ten years ago, etc. This post is simply saying, I saw you before today–before it was MLK Jr. Day, before "Black Lives Matter" was a movement, before, when you were just getting by. This post is saying do something MORE. What exactly is more? You tell me.