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| 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.
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