As many of you may know, we are living in unprecedented times. We are experiencing life virtually and socially distant from classmates, co-workers, and loved ones due to the global spread of COVID-19 (aka Corona Virus *You’re not the only one who read it in Cardi B’s voice*) (aka The Rona // Rona). As a nation, we’ve been given preventatives on how to slow the speed in which The Rona spreads:
- Wait in long lines for necessities 6 feet apart from one another
- Experience awkward eye contact when you forget that no one can see you smiling at them while your mask is on
- Wash your hands (… that should’ve been implemented since Kindergarten, but you know, sometimes it takes a global pandemic to remind you that germs do exist)
The list of recommended measures to take to keep yourself and others healthy is endless, for there seem to be discoveries about The Virus daily.
There has been a recent popularization of the second most deadly illness this nation has faced since its founding years: RACISM! We all know that racism is nothing new. If you’ve participated in the education system in the U.S., you’ve witnessed the history courses evade discussion on what life was like for Black and Native people before slavery and colonization. That’s no coincidence.
Systemic oppression and racism are so heavily interwoven into our daily lives that it’s been normalized. We live in a world where so many people of color generally fear law enforcement because of their reputations for using excessive force, actively practicing injustice, and getting away with it. The murders of Breanna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, (and a disgustingly extensive list of other Black people who’ve been killed by police) has sparked the recent vocalization of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The movement began after the murder of Travon Martin in 2013 as a cry for freedom, liberation, and justice.
Racism is a deadly illness that stems from hatred towards others who are different from oneself and then using one’s power to oppress said hated people. That means that people in positions of power can be racist when they use their power to intentionally or consequently limit fair and equitable opportunities to all.
How to Stop the Spread of Racism:
- If you do not identify as Black or an Indigenous person of color, recognize your privilege. Acknowledging one’s privilege DOES NOT negate any hardships that you’ve lived through. Ignoring one’s privilege (in terms of wealth, education, access to resources, etc.) is the apathy that continues the cycle!
- Acknowledge the Black // Indigenous people around you. This means that if you are in a predominately white space, take the time to listen attentively and interact with the people of color around you. I promise we don’t bite… often.
- Make a genuine effort to replace apathy and indifference with empathy and compassion for others. What if it were you who was murdered in cold blood because of the color of your skin? Not because you committed a crime, not because you were being maliciously fraudulent, but because you were Black while jogging, sleeping, driving, minding yo business, walking at night, being homeless, or shopping. True allyship comes from caring about others.
- EDUCATE YOSELF (and this goes for everyone). Educate yourself on the lived experiences of others who you are not familiar with. This may come in the form of:
- Reading work by Black // Indigenous authors
Expand your vocabulary (These are great starters!)
Find Black // Indigenous businesses to support
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLypltHXr3/?igshid=1xmhg4p9sjnlox
Donate to Black causes
NYC Mutual Aid:
Ahmaud Arbery Family Support:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud
The Audre Lorde Project:
National Bail Fund Network:
https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
If you’re already emotionally exhausted from actively trying to be generally informed about what’s going on, (from your local news telling you about everything from Rona to riots), it’s okay to pause. Know that what your weariness is justified because witnessing heartless murder is not, and should never be, normal. Watching the video of a Black man being killed at the hands of police officers ought to be triggering for anyone. If you are experiencing unrest (mentally, physically, emotionally) take these as warning signs. The same way our phones alert us of battery depletion, we can’t dismiss the “Low Battery” messages from our bodies. Go, find your charger! In other words, listen to your body when it tells you to recharge. We cannot pour into others, or a greater cause, running on low fuel or depleted energy. Our phones can’t function to the best of their ability and complete their purpose successfully without being charged, and we’re no different. Practice actions that will help you release whatever it is you’re feeling. Try journaling. Exercise. Do something that makes you smile.
Scrolling for hours on end will result in information overload. I, personally, found myself discouraged and helpless when I didn’t take a break from social media. Panic, terror, and rage permeated my timeline, and ultimately, my mind. Don’t get me wrong: Still Educate Yoself, especially if you know you are not aware of what’s systematically happening. Research when your Primary Elections are. Never heard of “racial profiling?” Google it. Want to know why millions of people are coming together to demand justice? Find out. Just recharge yourself as well!
“To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all of the time.” ~ James Baldwin
RIP Breanna Taylor
RIP George Floyd
RIP Ahmaud Aubrey
RIP to those whose names have been drowned
#SayTheirNames
