Let me be clear as Kentucky continues to fight the Coronavirus, enforcing social distancing does not mean the policing Black bodies in spaces. Pause and absorb that sentence. And then read it again.
While I know he is a calm leader, in my mind, Governor Beshear needs an Anger Translator like Luther on Key and Peele. I am volunteering for that role. While Governor Beshear is remaining calm during his daily briefings, in my mind, he is saying, “Give me a fucking break!! What part of HEALTHY AT HOME are some of yall not understanding? Really? You wanna play fucking basketball? REALLY? In the middle of a pandemic? No one is drafting you. NO. ONE. Not one single coach. GO HOME!!
I believe that goodness and compassion are the core of who we are and who we can be. It shouldn’t have taken a pandemic for that to happen. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to care about our neighbors. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to be concerned about the least of those. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to reassess the economic structure of this nation and how it benefits very few at the top and tramples on the many at the bottom. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to be the village. It shouldn’t take a pandemic for us to care.
But sometimes things are turned upside down for us to put them right side up again.
During this time, I challenge you to take the time to see yourself and ask yourself some questions. While I have been home, these are some of the questions that starting coming to the surface for me:
Is the life I have been living the life that I genuinely want to live?
Are the people I am giving my energy, time, and love to worth it?
Why didn’t you pause and take the time to read that book, watch that show, enjoy your life?
What was so important in your life that you put your life on the back burner?
Is this relationship one that I want to spend giving my energy?
Rain is coming. With no clouds in the sky. With no forecast given.With no warning, Black people can tell you that rain is coming. Weeks ago, before the “panic buying” started in America, my daughter told me, “Mom, we need to go to the store and start buying […]
Black isn’t something you “put on.”
Black isn’t performative.Black isn’t something you gain by proximity.
Black isn’t something Black people can deputize you with.Black people sincerely need to stop saying that White people can be “honorary Black.” There is not today, nor will there ever be an “honorary Black” certificate.
I write this blog today as a Black woman that identifies as a lesbian.
I write this blog today as someone that is part of the LGBTQ community.
I write this as a woman willing to stand in her truth, not knowing the fallout of speaking her truth but ready to deal with speaking her truth.
I write this as a woman, a Black woman, ready to live!
TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!
In the Whitest of White Women, White Feminism statements that ever Whited, Heidi Klum a rich, White, blond, former supermodel, host of Project Runway and panelist for America’s Got Talent spoke to about her lack of response and solidarity with Gabrielle Union who expressed concern about racism on America’s […]
So, don’t cry to me. Don’t weep to ANY BLACK PERSON! We have already shed our tears throughout history, and they were met with deaf ears.
Now the BELL TOLLS FOR YOU!
I turn this issue to YOU!
I SIT TRUMP SQUARELY AT YOUR FEET!
Please don’t ask us what we are going to do. Ask YOURSELF WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
This challenge is far greater than Black People and People of Color just taking up space. It is about Black people and People of Color understanding their RIGHT to take up space. It is about Black People and People of Color understanding their value and worth. And once you understand your value, you are clear on what you will and will not tolerate. It moves from just taking up physical space and seeps into what you are willing to allow to take up space in your life, employment, and relationships. This challenge has the ability to impact every area of your life. It stands toe to toe with White supremacy and says, “I am here and I shall not be moved.” Imagine a world where Black People and People of Color said, “Not today. Today I’m taking a stand.” That is what many White people fear and that is really the source of anger. People that understand their value in spaces and all areas of their lives have the ability to bring down systems of oppression.
