Since the death of George Floyd, we have experienced history in real time. COVID-19 has unmasked America to reveal it’s white hood and the true pandemic that we have never remedied. Racism. Even in the midst of a health crisis, we united. Not only did black people come together across all 50 states, allies of all races and nationalities stood with us here and in 18 other countries. We have seen the power of the people at work, a vision of true democracy. I was moved from the comfort of my home to the streets of New York City. It was hot, the sidewalks were lined with police ready for war. I was scared, yet I felt that I needed my voice to be apart of what would become one of the greatest revolutions we have ever seen. I could feel this burning sensation running through my veins as I marched. We chanted, “No justice, No peace” which echoed like the sounds of an illustrious HBCU choir. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the magnitude of the crowd. Even from balconies people were banging pots and pans, cars honked their horns in solidarity despite being inconvenienced by the halt of traffic. The signs people made, especially our white counterparts, were both brash and comedic. They all rang the same tune, all lives can’t matter until Black lives matter. This was bigger than just a hashtag and a social media trend. The world was awakening to the reality that black people have been living for centuries.
Because people refused to stay silent, in numerous states, mayors and governors have agreed to defund police departments, make police records more visible(the repealing of 50a), implement well needed changes such as making a 911 call based on race, a hate crime & banning choke holds. Cases such as Breonna Taylor’s have been reopened and the list goes on. Businesses were also asked to “Pull up or Shut up” by being transparent with the amount of black employees they had in major positions. Some saw the need for change and committed to hiring more black people and amplify the voices of the minorities. Statues that represented men who were known slave owners were taken down and thrown into rivers. We saw more posts on social media than ever that promoted black businesses, blogs and books to help edify the community and rally for support.
But now what…
After the marches, after our anger subsides will we continue to have these uncomfortable conversations? Especially with our friends of other races who may not fully understand but are no longer willing to stay ignorant. We too must be willing to listen, to learn even if it contradicts our current view of society. We must not only continue to support black businesses beyond this month but allow their products and services to become a norm in our usage and spending. We need to promote more black creatives so that our stories can be told authentically.
“Stay Woke”
While we continue to defund the police, let's fight just as hard to pour into our educational system, especially within low income communities of color. Continue to fight until quality health care is more affordable & accessible for black and brown people, provide more after school programs and employment opportunities for our youth & supply proper services for the homeless. We need to hold our elected officials accountable and make sure they’re keeping their promises so that these changes may go beyond our generation. I encourage you to join local community initiatives involved in activism, donate, keep posting and keep using your voice. Now is not the time to be silent. We cannot forget that we must EDUCATE OURSELVES so we can pass on that knowledge to our future generations. In the words of the great Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Our history extends far beyond slavery. In every aspect it highlights the power and rich lineage of our people, from the intricate fabric of our African roots, our culture and our indispensable contributions to society. We must vote not only on a national level but locally. History has a way of repeating itself, so let’s also hold ourselves accountable so that this isn’t a memory that will plague us. Let us learn to love ourselves and each other as well. Teach love through our actions, regardless of the shade of melanin, sexual orientation, job description or position, or socio economic factors because ultimately that is what will bring us together.
“This is a shaking, the world is awakening, Black Lives have ALWAYS mattered.”- Sevon Torrington, a voice of this generation.
“We repeat what we don't repair”-Christine Langley
“If you are silent about your pain, they’ll kill you and say you enjoyed it.”- Zoral Neale Hurston
“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. “ -Assata Shakur
“We must continue to comfort the afflicted & afflict the comfortable”- Jumaane Williams
What changes have you implemented or will implement to continue this revolution?
Editor/ Contributor - Sevon Torrington( @mahoganysol on IG)
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