Paddle Out for Unity
We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
As the Civil Rights Movement continues to gain momentum across our planet, for social justice for African Americans to be actualized, for police brutality to end, for violence against black and trans women to be stopped, for true freedom and equality to finally be realized, at Changing Tides Foundation, we are committed to participating in solutions and programs that will help make equality a reality.
Humanity is connecting with each other on a scale like never before, unity is necessary to overcome this widespread injustice.
Abolishing racism is complex, as it is both a consciousness and a systemic challenge, yet one that involves each of us individually.
On a consciousness level, everyday is an opportunity to learn and love more, to recognize and let go of previously taught notions of racism. For many generations, racism has been rampant in core beliefs, passed down and “taught to believe”. To help each other move from engrained disrespect to love is a spiritual communicative practice that we are all going to become well versed in through this revolution.
On a systemic level, our power as the masses in different communities is our power to Vote.
We’ve seen how powerful city council members can be, how sheriffs, attorney generals, representatives, presidents, all have a major effects on society, negatively or positively.
Part of our individual jobs for this Civil Rights Movement is to research candidates like never before and support those who walk the talk of ethics and morale.
Millions across the planet are connecting through sentiments of anti-racism and of treating each other with respect. As protests march on globally in cities large and small, we’ve seen an outpour of solidarity through surfing communities gathering for memorial paddle outs.
As we stood amongst thousands gathered at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas and listened to the fervent words of Selema Masakela and Danielle Lyon from Textured Waves about the various challenges African Americans face in America and how diversity in surfing needs support, there was a powerful yearning from each person present to be an ally in respect and support.
Paddling out to a sea of people crying out the names of Black victims of Police Brutality, chanting Black Lives Matter, splashing the water in memorial of lives taken, we saw hundreds of surfers, but not one ego. The Paddle Out for Unity felt momentous in surf culture taking a stand together to support and celebrate diversity in surfing and also as respectful allies in this plight towards justice.
Photos By Jianca Lazarus
Thanks to KindHumans, Textured Waves, Selema Masekela, for joining forces with us to organize the Encinitas Paddle Out for Unity In Solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
This photo by Donald Miralle during the Paddle Out For Unity became the cover shot of the last issue of Surfer Magazine, a bold ending to an iconic publication.
Visit Textured Waves for more inspiration on diverse surf culture and a great collection of community resources. Visit Color of Change to join the fight to end the injustice.