When we hear the words of Alicia Garza, there is a profound call to humility and listening. To center the voices of those most impacted by injustice means more than just being an ally or a bystander; it means intentionally stepping back so that the people experiencing the pain, the struggle, and the systemic barriers can lead the conversation. It is about recognizing that while we might care deeply about a cause, the true blueprint for change lives within the lived experiences of those who are navigating the storm every single day. We cannot solve problems we do not truly understand, and we cannot understand them without making space for the authentic, unfiltered truth of those at the center of the struggle.

In our everyday lives, this concept can feel quite large, but it actually manifests in the small, quiet moments of how we interact with our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends. It is about resisting the urge to jump in with a solution before we have even heard the full story. Often, we are so eager to be helpful or to prove that we are on the right side of history that we accidentally drown out the very people we are trying to support. True advocacy requires us to hold our opinions loosely and our ears open wide, ensuring that the people most affected by a situation are the ones holding the megaphone.

I remember a time when I was helping a friend navigate a difficult situation at her workplace. I was so focused on coming up with a strategic plan and a list of 'fixes' that I didn't realize I was actually making her feel unheard. I was treating her life like a puzzle to be solved rather than a human experience to be honored. It wasn't until I stopped talking and simply sat in the silence with her that she felt safe enough to tell me what she actually needed. I realized then that my desire to lead the way was actually hindering her ability to find her own strength.

As we move through our world, let us strive to be the kind of listeners who create space rather than fill it. Whether you are part of a community movement or just a friend sitting on a porch, ask yourself if you are creating a platform for others or just adding to the noise. Next time you find yourself in a position of influence, try asking, 'Who is missing from this conversation?' and then wait quietly for the answer to emerge.