Tired: I’m so tired. I’m tired of watching, of reading, of learning. I’m tired of protest, I’m tired of injustice, I’m tired of racism. I’m tired of false actions, and hollow legislation and political scams, symbolic in headlines but devoid in action, equality or culpability. I’m tired of knowing that there even needs to be a movement to protect people. Countless millions have poured every ounce of their being for days, months, decades, centuries and all for what for what, shreds of simple human dignity, the basic outlinings of human rights, a chance at civil liberty. I’m a tourist to the struggles that people of color face every day and it exhausts me.
I’m tired of knowing that the work that my dad did in St. Louis in the ’60’s needs a carbon copy. I’m tired of knowing that my children will hear about the DHS the way my mother talked about the tanks that drove down her Detriot campus. I’m tired of people describing the BLM riots with the same language they used to described the Madison Street Riots that scorched and burned only miles from my childhood home. I’m tired that fifty years later its the same rhetoric, “it’s a shame…. [that they burned, looted, rioted]. Its a much bigger shame that people of color still aren’t given a democratic voice or a chance to be heard or basic decent human rights long before any protest is necessary. I’m tired of the politicians, I’m tired of the news, I’m tired of the words. But mostly, I’m so, so tired of living in a country where a black man can be shot at point blank 7 times in his back while trying to walk away peacefully, and I’m so tired that these murders are footnotes on the front pages of news outlets that are supposed to be designed to protect us.
I am tired, but I promise you I will find the strength to reject of any action that lacks humanism, compassion or empathy.
Daily Protest: (ongoing)
Today, last night, last week, I have been beyond words, beyond motivation. But with a heavy heart, I will move forward. I don’t understand people or what is in their mind in these moments and all I want to know is what do we need to change so this stops happening.
It pains me to share yet another video…
(if you haven’t yet seen it)
For today’s daily protest I suggest reading these healing words from Bernice King and letting her wisdom guide us forward.
“Don’t be ashamed if you’re tired. We shouldn’t have to fight voter suppression, contend for our postal service, address racist birtherism, assert that Black Lives Matter, appeal for healthcare, work to eradicate poverty, mourn deaths from gun violence, protest police brutality…”
“Be wise with your energy. Be strategic about rest. Be informed (about good that’s happening, too). Be careful with your mental health. Be aware that justice is a continuum. As my father said, “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.””
https://twitter.com/BerniceKing/status/1294459703381184514
s i l e n t . p r o t e s t 