I am exhausted. I am tired. I am praying for my life.
The narrative I continue to hear more and more about is institutionalized racism. We talk about it like its some new discovery yet is engrained into the very fiber of our existence as Americans and as humans to a large degree. I could write about how much rage and anger I felt in regards to the seminars where I learned more about the twin span attempt by the Moroun family or the lazy, fat, poor black person who wants everything in this world for free including water. Because what you begin to realize is that every story that speaks to the disenfranchisement of a people are all the same.
I am tired of being angry and then crying and then having to forgive and move forward. Moving forward has only made me colder and more desensitized to the world I try my best to exist in as a kind and warmhearted being. So I will continue to practice social awareness and activism but I will also practice self-love because as a Black Girl self-love is NEVER taught. I am finding it on my own and curating the melanin-rich material in my life to reflect what I want myself to become. As the most unloved, unprotected, and unnoticed member of society I will continue to Love.
When I consider our seminars altogether, the conclusion (as I see it) is clear: the water shutoffs and bridge expansion are part of a larger attempt to remove low-income POC from their homes in Detroit (and elsewhere); these efforts are just some of countless examples of institutionalized racism, just as you mentioned.
Race is sometimes treated as a “delicate” topic but I love that you brought this up. It’s an undeniable fact of life and I want to confront my privilege and learn more about what I can do to challenge it.
I don’t really know where I’m going with this comment but – your post is beautiful and I respect you a hell of a lot!!