A message from Shaun Linse

My name is Shaun Linse, and I've been a member of RTB for 14 years.  Those of you that don't know me personally may know me as Disco Lady who dances at the Lake Meridian Triathlon.  I am reaching out to this community because I have always felt that all members have supported each other, whether you're an elite athlete or not.  I have always felt cheered on while racing.

        Normally when there is a hot-button topic or political agenda, I have kept my mouth shut on any social media sites because I did not want the backlash or to engage in argument.  Lately, I have been stepping out of my shell and speaking on something that is very personal to my family.  All of this outrage of racism that is going on in the world is very disturbing to me.  I am afraid that people are not understanding and missing the message.  I would like to share a couple stories with you because my own family members and other black professionals can't always express their opinions because that could cause them problems in their jobs, which is very sad.  They must suffer in silence.

       My son is of mixed race, my daughter-in-law is black, and then I have an adorable grandson.  My son and his family came home from having dinner out.  While walking up to their house, a man approached them and asked, "Where did the white people go that lived here?  How could they let you live here?  How can you even afford a place like this?"  My son took his family inside, did not engage, and locked the door.

They have to suffer in silence.

     My son's good friend who is a well-known sportscaster has been pulled over 19 times and had his car searched many occasions because he is black.  He was never been arrested because he didn't do anything wrong.  Again, he must suffer in silence.

    My daughter-in-law's sister just graduated Bellermine Prep and came home crying to her mother, "Why are we treated this way?" She has a basketball scholarship for Gonzaga University and is great student.  Her mom said, "Just focus on the positive things."  She did go out and protested trying to be heard but all people see is the thugs.

     There are many more stories out there that are unheard because people have been crying for years, and it has just been swept under the rug.  People don't believe it exists. 

     I feel most divide is because of ignorance.  I don't think most people want to be racist or prejudice towards anyone.  I myself have kept quiet on this issue with lots of my friends and colleagues because it lands on deaf ears, and it's just too painful.  It's also much easier than stepping out of your comfort zone and having this conversation. 

    Today is a new day, and I am going to step out of that comfort and project my voice.  I ask each of you to try to listen and have conversations with your black friends and other ethnicities to see what their story is.  The more we hear, the more we communicate, just maybe we can all come together as a country!!

Thank you for listening!!

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