First, people should be mindful and avoid overloading their black friends and family with requests for information, Mitchell said, because every individual is coping with this differently.
“I need people to remember that right now, a lot of your black colleagues and friends and family members are hurting and are frustrated and are dealing with their own emotions,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell says those looking to be better allies to the black community can start by simply doing some research on racial equity.
Mitchell said that one of the best things families can do for their children is surround themselves with diversity as early as possible.
“One of the biggest things I can recommend is to expose your children at an early age to people who look different than them, to different cultures, and talk about it,” Mitchell said.
