I saw the words "hope", "hate" and "heal" used to caption images of the 44th through the 46th presidents of the United States. I used it as the title of this blog because I believe it to be fitting in many ways. And, so I weigh in!
Wednesday was a glorious day, not only here in America but around the world! The inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as president and vice president, respectively, was a much-needed change. In an instant, I am sure we could almost feel a sense of hope that decency, direction, empathy, intelligence and plain old know-how, to say the least, would return to the highest office in our nation. But, let us not forget...
People elected 45! Those people include the ones who actually voted. It also includes the ones who silently sat during the campaign, after the election and during his (terror) reign. I can only imagine how awful the past four years were to Americans, especially black Americans, who were again subjected to the brutality and cruelty that they experienced physically and emotionally in the 1960s. And, so I must implore you!
Please read Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. In his "Letter From Birmingham Jail", you will find his response to racist white clergymen who refused to support all of God's children and who criticized his marches. Read it! I'll say it again: Read it! But, do not reinterpret it!
Racism is alive and well in this country! It is not insidious. We see it everywhere! It is obvious, and it is intentional! The fact that we live in the United States Of America and we are currently saying "the first black ____, the first Indian-American _________, the first woman whatever" makes that clear! Therefore, we cannot keep lying to the faces in our mirrors. And, so here's where I suggest you read some timeless books that have helped me along my journey!
"Old school" books that will speak clearly about where this nation has been and why we still have so far to go include:
1. Black Power: The Politics Of Liberation Stokely Carmichael
2. "How It Feels To Be Colored Me" Zora Neale Hurston
3.The Fire Next Time James Baldwin
4. The Souls Of Black Folks W.E.B. DuBois
5. Women, Race and Class Angela Davis
6. Why We Can't Wait Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy Reading! Happy Reflecting! Happy Renewal!
