There have been A LOT of things happening lately. Some of them are positive, some are negative. With each passing day, I thought about what I wanted to post on this blog. But each time I looked over at my laptop, I changed my mind. I mean, where do I start? There’s just too much I wanted to say. SO, I’ll do my best to keep it brief.
I’ve been feeling many different things since George Floyd’s death on Memorial Day. Anger. Fear. Concern. More anger. I know I live in a country where there is a significant number of racist people. I’m a Black woman, and racism isn’t new to me. Hell, I’ve been called a nigger to my face. Every now and then, an event occurs that reminds me of just how deep hatred runs in America. When I learned of George Floyd’s death, I thought, it’s going to start again. People are going to protest. People are going to get angry and fight back. What surprised me wasn’t America’s response to this evil act, the world’s response is what really surprised me. I didn’t expect the rest of the world to join the cause. This gave me a sense of hope: maybe this is finally it. Maybe this is the change we all needed. The world actually came together and shouted, “ENOUGH!”
When Juneteenth was approaching, I thought it would be the same as it has always been. But no, this Juneteenth was different. This Juneteenth actually meant something. I currently live in Virginia, and Juneteenth has finally been recognized as a holiday. While I appreciate this forward progress, I have to say, it’s a shame it took VA so long, especially considering this is where the first Black slaves landed in 1619. Still, progress is progress.
Changes are being made. Confederate statues are coming down. New regulations are being created for the police. Progress is being made. What saddens me, is yet another life had to be lost, in order for people to wake up and open their eyes, and see the truth.
I’m trying to pull myself together and find some inspiration, so I can get back to writing. I’ve been reading lately, and slowly but surely, I’m getting there.
Be safe everyone, and stay woke.
