It is safe to say that the world has changed. A global pandemic coupled with one of the most compelling civil rights moments in history is something that I never saw coming.
 
All Lives Matter when Black Lives Matter, too.
 
The reaction to George Floyd's death was shocking to us all. My initial sense of shock became a feeling of angst that change might actually come, given the energy and force of the reaction across the country.
 
8:46.
 
After processing some of my own ups and downs over these weeks, I am happy to be finding
my role in this movement. I am committed to doing what I can to create sustainable change. Before I share the successes I am grateful to have played a small part in, I must also share the lows that inspired my efforts.
 
Say their names:
 
In the wake of a neutral statement from USA Swimming regarding George Floyd's death, I found myself in a very low place emotionally. As a Black man with passion in a sport that is roughly 1.5% Black, it's safe to say that I felt isolated. To read a statement that lacked even the word 'black' brought me deep disappointment. Seeing others show neutrality in the face of injustice made me feel neglected. To me, it seemed that the organization I've worked hard to represent was not acknowledging the Black perspective. In doing so, it additionally refused to see the stories of my people about our experiences with outright and implicit racism. Was the organization truly indifferent to my experiences, or did it just miss the point?
 
George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Trayvon Martin. Elijah McClain. Tamir Rice. Sandra Bland...
 
I am grateful to have had open-minded listeners during this time of growth, USA Swimming included. The commitments to change made by those with authority in my space is a blessing, and wonderful to see. I am excited for what both USA Swimming and Cal Athletics will bring with their broad range of influence. However, I know that I cannot dwell on these successes for too much longer. I understand that there is work that still needs to be done on many fronts. That said, I am hopeful that I can see this through one day.
 
Ahmaud Arbery. Philando Castile. Eric Garner. Emmett Till. Freddie Gray. Mike Brown...
 
This movement has awakened me in ways I would not have imagined eight weeks ago. I have been moved by the conversations I have had with my Cal Family, our athletic director, my coaches and my teammates. I also accept that not everyone has something to say in the matter – we can't all grow at the same pace. Advocacy, voting and speaking up are the tools of social change. I have to be hopeful for the future. There is no other choice.
 
Who's Next?
 
"Silence in the face of injustice is complicity" is a phrase that has weighed heavily on my mind during this time. The phrase grows in its power every day and week that go by. The injustices that have served as an underpinning to our society are being noticed by the masses as never before. My voice, your voices, and our voices together are more powerful than ever to ensure that real change will come.
 
November 3. Vote.