I planned on writing a sewing post yesterday, but decided that participating in #BlackoutTuesday was a much better use of my time. In case you missed it, June 2nd was a day to pause our normal interactions and posting online in order to raise awareness against systemic injustice, and stand against racism. By stepping away from social media, the encouragement was to pause and learn, to seek out information and listen, and to become educated on inequality that has plagued our society for so long...
I took the time to do some of those things, and to examine my own heart in the midst of this tumultuous time. I can honestly say that I don't know how to feel most days. With the death of George Floyd following so close after the death of Ahmaud Arbery, the pain has been too deep for me to even comprehend. Some days have been filled with mourning, and others just walking around numb. Is this the world my children will grow up and experience? With all that I teach, love, and show them, will it be enough?
I don't have the answers, but I am encouraged by the sparks of change that have been ignited. My prayer is that all our voices would join together to fight this battle, and provide effective solutions for the problems at hand. The important thing is that we would all resolve to do something, and not let this issue die out.
If you are wondering what you can do, then this article is a great place to start: https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/how-to-support-black-lives-matter.
I plan on posting a May recap and June plans post tomorrow, but please know that this issue does not disappear because it isn't directly spoken about in my posts. As a Black woman, wife, and mother, I am this issue. I speak about this because the value of Black lives has been misplaced in our society. While I have always believed that my life, and the life of my family members has mattered, there have been times when we have been treated differently. And there are certainly countless stories of unjust treatment rooted in deep ties of racism and hatred.
Again, we are not powerless, and there is something we can all do!
Thank you for hearing my heart today!
Thank you Vanessa - for sharing and for the info on resources.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome.❤
DeleteI’m looking for new and additional ways to effect change, and I’m listening to what I hear black women saying. It was a horrible week.
ReplyDeleteThat is great to hear Barbara!
Delete"I can honestly say that I don't know how to feel most days."
ReplyDeleteSame. The speed with which I go from anger to sadness to burn it all and back to sadness again could set many world records. The world is watching and participating. Maybe, just maybe this time will be different. What will it take?
Yes! My emotions have run the gamut, and still do. There are wounds I know only God can heal.
DeleteI do think this time is different, and stay hopeful for change.
Thank you for sharing your feelings and hopes for the future. I, too, am shocked and saddened by the way black people have been treated, and completely support the fight for change until everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying that!
DeleteHopefully this time really is different due to cell phone videos and the ability to share them instantly on social media. Thanks for sharing that link - to me the most important thing listed is voting - in both local and national races since the power state legislatures hold is so vital to election fairness.
ReplyDelete