From the Hearts of Black Moms: A Conversation on Race Featured in Atlanta Parent

https://www.atlantaparent.com/julyissue

"The choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both." - Barack Obama

I’m the proud mother of two remarkable Black children. My oldest son, Roland turned 13 in June. My youngest son, Joshua is 10, and both boys are friendly, kindhearted, athletic, and smart.

For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate for social justice. As a young adult in Boulder, Colorado, I advocated to dismantle a nearby nuclear facility, marched in the 2017 Women’s March, and most recently joined thousands of supporters for “Black Lives Matter” both here in Atlanta.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to build a strong and accepting society in which no child has to grid himself or herself  against prejudice, hatred, and mistreatment. The nation is crying for change and I continuously reflect on how to become more of an agent of healing as we prepare for the days ahead.

Steps to continue growing:

• Engage in conversations around race.
• Support local and online Black businesses.
• Learn about other cultures and work towards being advocates and allies for historically minoritized groups.

I think the best thing we can do for each other and ourselves, is to come together as a community. Listening with open hearts and minds and being willing to engage in self-reflective work - even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.

I stay prayerful for my sons and other Black boys and men. We are seeking justice, safety, and peace.

Read Atlanta Parent's July 2020 issue here: https://www.atlantaparent.com/julyissue.

A Change is Gonna Come

“A Change is Gonna Come.” - Sam Cooke

This is the first weekend that I’ve spent with my mom at her home since the COVID-19 outbreak. I haven’t been to a salon in months, and with all that’s happening in the world with the global pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, I found a moment of peace within myself while she was braiding my hair today. Being together was restorative.

It’s my hope that we find real change. It’s time people in power stop talking and start doing. Ar...e we really going to root out systemic racism given all that has brought us to this point? If so, it’s going to take time and leaders in power to really listen and start taking action.

As a community advocate, I’m energized by the diverse participants who are leading protests around the world. Our participation is a vital part of the movement and our enthusiasm for real change NOW speaks volumes.

My promise as a former Fulton County candidate is that I will hold leaders in all spaces accountable for their actions, and that I will work hard with other like-minded individuals and organizations to get out the vote in November so that we can see this same collective energy for real positive change at the polls.

Join me at www.Facebook.com/SouthFultonVotes.