On July 2nd, 2021 I'm attempting an Everest, a deliciously simple event that requires climbing the same hill over and over until the total ascent equals the height of Mt. Everest (29,029 ft).  Having the time and resources (bikes, cars, hundreds of shot blocks) to train for this event is a huge privilege. 

The social justice movement, disproportionate effect of COVID on Black and Indigenous people, and hate crimes against Asian-American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have had a huge impact on me and triggered deep introspection.  

This introspection has led to a desire to understand the stories and struggles of people whose life stories are radically different from mine.  Through these stories, I've learned that it's incumbent on those of us with privilege and power to use them in ways to improve equity and justice in our society. 

What will you do with your privilege?

Start by donating and help us reach our goal of raising $4k for the Equal Justice Initiative. Lisa and I will be matching donations at least up to $2k, and maybe more!!  The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) is a nonprofit, human rights organization committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting the basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.

Stories that have moved me during the past year:

Justin Williams & L39ION.la - Instagram 
Disclosure 
POSE 
Ear Hustle 
Trevor Noah - Born A Crime 
Serial Season 3 

Learn more about privilege and how unconscious or implicit bias masks our perceptions:

Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Racism - NY Times Video Series 
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race - Jay Smooth on TEDx 
The Difference Between being "not racist" and Anti-Racist - Ibram X Kinde on TED