What side of history do you want to be on?
It’s November of 2020 already. Did you think this year turned out the way you wanted it to? If the answer is no, there’s still a month left. Don't lose hope! Miraculous things happen when you least expect it.
The beginning of this year I got to witness one of my closest friends get married to the love of her life and traveled to a former Winter Olympic Games venue. March came around and everything changed for everyone.
I will never forget my birthday this year either. Yes, I turned 23 but it was also the day that George Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin and his accomplices Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, over an alleged counterfeit $20. It still makes me sick to think police brutality goes on, how it goes unchecked, without justice, and it’s not limited to the United States either.
Another name that I unfortunately won’t forget is Breonna Taylor from this year. A public servant shot, while sleeping by people that are supposed to protect and serve, police. She was more than just a name, a meme, and a hashtag. She deserved better and unfortunately the system failed to deliver her justice.
While reading or hearing about the news, I ask myself what can I do? How do I take action instead of just making radical noise? That took a whole process of unlearning and I’m still learning differently from what I was raised on. My experiences are not the same of BIPOC (Black, Ingenious, People Of Color). Recognize the tools that you have and use them to create a society that is more equitable for those around you.
How many of you ran with Ahmaud Arbery? How many of you went out of your way to educate yourself about being anti-racist? How many of you reflected about your privilege and actually used it to benefit BIPOC? How many of you posted about Blackout Tuesday and then your feed went back to normal?
These instances of fighting systemic racism, racial inequality, and police reform go beyond 2020. Recognize these have to be done at a personal level, community level, and global level. It will take time but know that it cannot stop.
As this year comes to a close, reflect and remind yourself about what side of history you were on and what side you will be on.
Below I have linked some fundraisers/bail funds/mutual aids that have not met their goal. Please consider donating and thank you in advance if you do.
Housing Rescue for BIPOC
https://www.gofundme.com/f/757-housing-rescue-for-bipoc
Humanities Behind Bars Mutual Aid Fund
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/humanitiesbehindbars
Organizing City Workers Around Virginia