Revolution
A personal reflection on the work that needs to be done.
Our weekly production meeting lingered in the back of my mind as I consumed the news and social media this past weekend and connected with loved ones. What could I share with the team that would feel even a bit inspirational during this time of deep hurt and unrest? It’s hard to be positive right now, and all I can think about is the murder of George Floyd and the overt racism experienced by Christian Cooper in Central Park. The unrelated piece I wrote last week seems pretty insignificant right now, and being quietly outraged isn’t enough.
So I’m shifting my focus to sharing ways to learn and support the revolution taking place. I’m calling myself out - I know I personally have a lot of overdue work to do as a white woman - and I can’t put that responsibility on others. My questions may be awkward. I may not always say the right thing. I’m having conversations I should have initiated months, if not years ago. But I’m going to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and above all, listen.
If you’re reading this, please ask yourself how you will truly show up during this time, and how you will encourage others to do so. Here are a few places to start.
Public Address on Revolution: Revolution Now | Rachel Cargle
Killer Mike Delivers Emotional Speech to Atlanta Protestors at Mayor’s Press Conference
Anti-racism resources Google Doc created by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein
And finally, a few words to take into the days ahead from Rupi Kaur’s “the sun and her flowers”
if you have never
stood with the oppressed
there is still time
-lift them