Newswise — “There is a complex network of action steps necessary to dismantle the weight of racism broadly,” says Dr. Christie Billups, co-director of Peace Studies at Lewis University in Illinois.“We need to talk with one another. We need to listen. We need to study. We need to speak out,” says the restorative justice advocate.In this safe space of open dialogue and mutual respect, unity can be achieved. She added, “Learning and growing is never easy. As the Black Lives Matters Movement founders Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors remind us, we cannot get to unity first without navigating the struggle.”

The assistant professor of theology concludes, “If we have the courage to work for justice, especially with our Black sisters and brothers, the entire human community will benefit.”Read more of Dr. Christie Billups’ insights on the #BlackLivesMatter campaign.