This has been a tough couple of weeks. Covid 19 has pushed us into a corner. We’ve been doing our best to hold on, then along comes this horrifying and senseless murder. The image of George Floyd lying on the ground, dying, with a knee on his neck, I can’t get it out of my mind.
But there is hope out there. Protests from Minneapolis to Paris, from Atlanta to Australia and from right here in my home town, Portland, to far away Berlin and London.
Don’t take my word for it. Check out Ezra Klein’s interview, ‘Why Ta-Nehisi Coates is Hopeful.’ It’s a tough listen, but helpful to understand what is going on. Ta-Nehisi Coates is a brilliant and insightful man who has the ability to articulate complicated issues in clear and understandable language.
For many years now, I’ve walked through my neighborhood and seen the signs that people have had in their yards.
I’d think, well of course. Who wouldn’t agree with that? Why would you even need to say that?
But now I am beginning to understand why these things need to be said.
And said again and again.
And why we should remember how we came to here.
And never forget.
A while ago, outside of the Grace Covenant Fellowship Church not too far from my house and from what I’ve observed a mostly African American congregation, they had placed a sign.
A reminder of the work we all still need to do.
And finally, on a nearby wall painted so local kids could draw on it,
a reminder of how to get there.
Such a heavy time, especially for people of color and all of us who fear for our democracy.
I agree Judith, it is a tough time. We are all doing our best to find our way out, especially you.
Thank you, Ann. I am greatly heartened by the overwhelming support in the email I have received during the last couple of weeks.
btw #SayHerName was already out there. “#SayHerName is a social movement that seeks to raise awareness for black female victims of police brutality and anti-black violence in the United States.”
I like to think we are listening, we are waking up, and we are choosing sides. We are choosing to take a knee rather than continue to press it into anyone’s neck.
Thank you Jan. So many organizations that are trying to help. Thank you for letting me know about #SayHerName
I am feeling hopeful for our country for the first time in more than 3 years. It is strange to feel hope when so many people are in mental and physical pain, but I FEEL change coming, and so the hope.
Susan, it is good to read your comments. We all need hope, especially now.
Such a hopeful post. We need so much reminder of hope right now. Thank you.
You are so very welcome Sheryl. I agree, we are all looking for hope. Thank you for your comment!