I encourage everyone who is trying to persuade their friends, family and strangers on the important issues of today — don't let your emotions take control. Focus on education and exposure over emotion. That's what we need to do, and that will solve a lot of problems.

We also hear: "Listen, I don't want to talk to those people, I don't have time to talk to those people. It's not my job to educate white people on how to treat Black people." That is nonsense. We all are Americans; we all need to educate one another. I have a lot to learn. If you’ve got something to teach me, then let me learn it, because I have something to teach you, and you’ve also got a lot to learn. Let’s share our experiences, and that will make us more well-rounded people.

It may worsen before it gets better, but remember, there are more good people than bad ones, and you can be the change.

• As told to Jason Duaine Hahn

To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations:

• Campaign Zero (joincampaignzero.org) which works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies.

• ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities.

• National Cares Mentoring Movement (caresmentoring.org) provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond.

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