Sharing as I learn and grow
“All symbolic and tangible advancements that Black people have gained in this country were achieved through forceful opposition to White supremacy. We have advanced not because the systems of the United States chose to do right but Black people but because we as Black people took responsibility for ourselves and demanded changes.”
It’s Sunday morning and I am enjoying my monthly “whoosah weekend.” I rested well (much better than I normally do) and missed the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. This hotel doesn’t offer room service, so I ordered breakfast from a local diner using Door Dash. I am not a frequent Door Dash user but over the last …
To say that I am a fan of Isabel Wilkerson is an understatement. In my opinion, she is one of the most important voices of the 21st century. Her writing is unparalleled, and her research is painstaking. So, when my sister invited me to hear her speak in Richmond, Virginia at an event sponsored by …
“What we need is accurate American History being taught in our schools and in our homes. What we need is the withholding of federal funds to school systems that refuse to teach accurate American History and who weaponize the important work of diversity, equity and inclusion professionals. What we need are protocols and practices that are enforced that keep Black people alive. What we need are stricter gun laws. What we need are leaders who prioritize the safety and well being of Black people over attaining and maintaining a position of power. “
“According to a news segment on CNBC’s website, the spending power of Black people in the United States reached $1.6 trillion in 2021. We have spending power but how are we choosing to use that power to our benefit and the benefit of future generations of Black people? How much money are we investing in Black owned businesses, Black owned media and home ownership? How much of it are we spending without any thought as to where those dollars are going and if they are being circulated in our communities?”
“It is not selfish to secure our own wellness before helping other groups of people be well. However, what we have done far too often is delay or deny ourselves opportunities to serve ourselves, opting instead to serve others or to naively rely on others to help us after we have helped them.”
“As good as it feels to see these highly, qualified Black people in power (and it does feel good), how has their service directly supported and benefited Black Americans, not to the exclusion of other Americans, but to the inclusion and well-being of Black people? And what happens when power transfers, they retire, or they pass away? What is the legacy? How does the progress continue?”
“The origin story and subsequent experience of Black people in the United States is far different than any other race or ethnicity that calls America home.”
“I implore Black people to stop begging for scraps from social systems that continue to reject us and keep building resources that support and celebrate us. It is futile to expect a system that was intentionally built to oppress us to suddenly change its properties and start propelling us to greatness.”
“With perfect pliés and amazing arabesques, these young dancers sliced through the stereotypes of who could be a ballet dancer. They rewrote the often times racist script that dictated who belonged and who didn’t. Without uttering a single word, the choreography, music and costumes whispered, “I see you. You are loved. You are worthy. You belong here.”