I am sharing this post that is circulating around, which I actually posted to my social media. It underscores the ongoing trauma I feel in my body each day, as I awaken, start my day, wondering how things will unfold for me, my mother, brother, nephew, father, uncles, aunts, cousins, or some other Black person that is used as the model reminder of the cultural anti-Black orientation pervading this country. I continue to cope as best as I can each day, but the reality is that I am mired in continual grief and trauma.
In addition, I am also sharing an article I shared after the murder of George Floyd, that reinforces White Supremacy culture and standards around professionalism and productivity; and the lack of real empathy, space, and/or allowances for the ongoing realities for Black people, and people of color inside institutions with dominant cultural orientations of Whiteness.
Please read, meditate on the words in the post below, as well as the article, and share with others.
In continued solidarity
Dante
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I need to run some errands this morning. To ensure I arrive alive, I won't take public transit (Oscar Grant). I removed all air fresheners from the vehicle and double-checked my registration status (Daunte Wright), and ensured my license plates were visible (Lt. Caron Nazario). I will be careful to follow all traffic rules (Philando Castille), signal every turn (Sandra Bland), keep the radio volume low (Jordan Davis), and won't stop at a fast food chain for a meal (Rayshard Brooks). I'm too afraid to pray (Rev. Clementa C. Pickney) so I just hope the car won't break down (Corey Jones).
When you run errands today, be sure not to dance (Elijah McClain), stop to play in a park (Tamir Rice), patronize the local convenience store for snacks (Trayvon Martin), or walk around the neighborhood (Mike Brown). Once home, don’t stand in your backyard (Stephon Clark), eat ice cream on the couch (Botham Jean), or play any video games (Atatiana Jefferson).
I guess I’ll watch a movie around 7:30pm, I won’t leave the house to go to Walmart (John Crawford) or to the gym (Tshyrand Oates) or on a jog (Ahmaud Arbery). I won't even walk to see the birds (Christian Cooper). I’ll just sit and remember what a blessing it is to breathe (George Floyd) and I definitely won’t go to sleep (Breonna Taylor). Article: Maintaining Professionalism in the Age of Black Death