The world is watching as cities across America protest against the injustices that have been happening against Black people in the course of American history. George Floyd’s murder this week reignited the public conversation regarding social injustices and anti-Black practices that have gone on in America for far too long. 

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Michelle Obama, our forever First Lady, took to Instagram where she penned an emotional message in wake of Floyd’s passing. Sharing powerful artwork from Nikkolas Smith, a concept artist, and illustrator, who drew tribute pieces for Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd,  with an open letter.

“Like so many of you, I’m pained by these recent tragedies. And I’m exhausted by a heartbreak that never seems to stop. Right now it’s George, Breonna, and Ahmaud. Before that it was Eric, Sandra, and Michael. It just goes on, and on, and on,” she wrote. “Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—Black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out.”

She added, “It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets. I pray we all have the strength for that journey, just as I pray for the souls and the families of those who were taken from us.”

Peep the artwork below.