It’s taken me a little time to gather my thoughts on the unbelievable events that have taken place the past few weeks in our country. I’m usually pretty impatient and just wanna go, go, go…get mad, speak my mind and react. My heart has been breaking, along with much of the country. How did we get here, where do we go?
In this instance, I decided to take the advice of some very intelligent, activist, voices … Ibram X Kendi and Ava DuVernay are a couple of the many… and step back, listen, read and learn.
My personal ethos, as shown at the bottom of every email and on this blog, is “you cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails.” Well, maybe that’s not always true! It is time that we write to the atty. generals, mayors, police chiefs and those in power in each city where injustice has been done at the hands of the police and let them know … You DO have the power to direct the wind at this pivotal point in history.
Knowledge is power! Here are some links to information that I found helpful in understanding the Black Lives Matter movement, in hopes that I can make a difference in some way…
· Follow Ibram X. Kendi @ibramxk on instagram or twitter and
listen to his thoughts on “Feelings Advocacy.” Feelings Advocacy is
not enough. Once you feel better through your advocacy, donating, etc. (which are all great!), don’t stop…move past your feelings, keep your foot on the gas and keep going to enact real policy change. I’d also recommend following BigMommaOfficial on Instagram for some in-your-face truths that black people experience … you have no idea!!
- Go here and educate yourself about what Juneteenth (which is today!) really commemorates. It should be a national holiday.
- Go here for a list of books to educate yourself about history and become an advocate.
· Law Enforcement Accountability Project (LEAP) started by Ava DuVernay
· Sign this petition to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge to align with human dignity & values (please click& read who Edmund Pettus was)
· If you only watch one movie on the subject, Please watch 13th on Netflix by Ava Duvernay (free through June) Netflix has an entire section of BLM suggestions they are streaming free this month. You might also want to add Selma and/or Just Mercy to your list.
· If you or someone you know is not registered to vote PLEASE do it here … whenweallvote.org
I’ve heard it said a few times in the past few weeks … this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and we need to keep running until there is equality for all. It will take a long time…it took a long time to get us here…but, as Margaret Meade is quoted as saying, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.“
Be the change you wish to see in the world!
Wow, thank you for this! Well written, thoughtful and helpful. Well done. Thanks for taking the time and keeping this very important conversation alive.
This is great, Jeanine! Love it! Can’t wait to see you!!!
J – Thanks for writing in real time and making it easy to grasp. Love that you share articles so the reader can further assess their thoughts and feelings about a topic! Right on and keep on sharing as I feel the same way -so refreshing!