Along the Color Line: Coping with a Global Pandemic and Race Relations Simultaneously in 2020

Sojourner Marable Grimmett

How do woke minds breathe in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic that is disproportionately affecting Black and brown communities; all while across the country protesters are rising up advocating for peace and justice because of another unlawful killing of a black man at the hands of police?

I am a peaceful protester. For as long as I can remember, I have held a protest sign in my hands waving it in the air among 60-something year old environmentalists in Boulder, Colorado, to co-creating lactation pods for moms at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and at the 2017 National Women's March on Washington, and most recently chanting “Black Lives Matter” among like-minded spirits walking towards the Georgia State Capitol in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

I’ve never been one to watch the coverage, but have always been a part of the movement protesting against hatred of every kind. Having studied civil disturbances in graduate school, I understand the history and measures employed by white supremacists and terrorists cowardly infiltrating and misplacing blame against activists shining light via protests of violence against Black and brown bodies. Additionally, the media consistently mislabels protest coverage further exacerbating stereotypical notions of blacks as “thugs” vilified on front pages of newspapers and social media.

The nation is crying for change. And the leader in charge is the worst example of leadership possible, one who has never been detached from racism and one who actively promotes and instigates acts of oppression on all of its forms.

I believe the majority are standing up to the minority of those who hate and are collectively championing for effective and positive change. I continuously reflect on how to become more of an agent of healing as we prepare for the days ahead.

I’m the proud mother of two remarkable Black sons. My oldest son, Roland turns 13 on Saturday. His hair makes him taller than his dad. He is quite, kindhearted, and smart. Yet summer travel plans have changed not because of the worst pandemic in 100 years, but because of the state of America. I am stressed being out with my sons and husband navigating daily errands or leisure time outside our home for fear of coming across a crooked racist who understands their power and fate over my Black family's lives.

The president isn’t acknowledging the pain and agony of our country's state, the 400 years of systemic racism. We are seeking justice, safety, and peace. I stay prayerful for my sons and other Black boys and men. Now I’m entrusting in our teachings and God’s will to protect them when away from under my roof.

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

Some ways to get involved:

·       Start a conversation

·       Get involved -- volunteer, help out

·       Access more information

·       Speak out and share your story

·       Organize

·       Support local and online Black businesses

·       Teach your kids and family members to:

o   have conversations about race

o   learn the best ways for them to be activists/active contributors into their communities        

o   learn about other underrepresented cultures and work towards being advocates and allies for others

o   understand their rights as well as having to teach young kids of color how they can try to stay safe when engaging with police/people in positions of power

A number of people have privately reached out to me, asking how I'm doing and what they can do to be supportive. I appreciate all of this and 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, being willing to engage in self-reflective work and active allyship - even when it's difficult or uncomfortable - is what the world needs right now.

Raising Our Sons to "Dare to Dream"

We took our 4 year old and nearly 2 year old boys to see Disney on Ice presents “Dare to Dream” on Wednesday night in Atlanta. The Phillips Arena ticket taker commented on how excited we all were to see the show. We arrived early and had the opportunity to meet several of the performers before their performance.

After sitting down and getting comfortable in our seats, I had the chance to marvel at the beautifully designed props and spectacular lighting. As the Disney performers hit the ice, their costumes were both eye-catching and realistic. As I watched the Disney characters come to life on skates, I thought about the phrase, “Dare to Dream.” Something tugged at my heart strings about the idea of teaching every child to dare to dream. More importantly, teaching parents to implement the importance of dreaming early in the minds of their young children. The idea to dream and think BIG.

Children have such wonderful imaginations and ideas of what they want to be when they grow up. For example, our oldest son, Roland said that he would like to be everything ranging from a Fireman, to a dentist, and all of the way up to the heroic Spider-Man. I follow up with words of encouragement, “that sounds great sweetie. You can do it!” I believe in instilling in our children early that if they dream it, imagine it, then they can be it. I also mention to them to think outside of the box (to be creative), but to also realize that it’s going to take hard work and dedication to achieve their dreams.

It’s a difficult for anyone to climb upward and achieve their dreams. Raising young Black men in a world where startling statistics can make one want to run and hide. We live in a country where only 41% of Black men graduate from high school (Schott Foundation for Public Education). This fact alone pushes me to continue to encourage our sons and other young Black men to fight against these odds.

The University System of Georgia’s (USG) African American Male Initiative (AAMI) works to recruit, retain, and graduate Black male college students. “Black men are quite capable of academic achievement, but they need direction regarding the road map to college, which many perceive as common knowledge. For many Black males, the road map often is not clear; nor is it without obstacles. So we focus our efforts on removing the obstacles and providing essential resources – with many devoted USG faculty, staff and administrators working diligently and tirelessly to enhance educational outcomes for these young men,” stated Arlethia Perry-Johnson, AAMI’s founding Project Director.

My Mother-in-Law often reiterates the notion of the power of the tongue. It’s this idea that what you say will come to fruition, which I find happening more often in my life. I’ve started saying the same thing to our children.

I don’t know what the future holds for our boys, but I do know that I will teach them to dream. Every adult in a child’s life plays an important role in their upbringing. As parents, we’re our children’s biggest cheerleaders! We’re their hype-man or woman on stage encouraging them along the way and giving them the confidence they need to succeed.

Unfortunately, it appears that some children don’t have someone in their corner to show them the ropes and give them the guidance they need. I value the work of mentoring programs to help make dreaming BIG possible for children; please support the work of our local and national programs that provide support and guidance for children such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the YWCA. Organizations such as these allow children to dream.

Dare to Dream…

Visit my other blog Support Table for Two follow me on Twitter like me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn.

Featured on MyAtlantaMoms.com.