So for those of us who keep pushing our heads under the sand and stay in denial or try to justify it away....here we have it! Yet another world stage confirmation...we live in a racist world.
Listen to the Black Brits and the Black Americans...”he/she who feels it, knows it!”
Our Caribbean counterparts, Jamaicans in particular may not be able to identify fully to this depth of prejudice and human demonization based on our melanin: but it is akin to the class and status prejudices that are rampant in our region and society. So we sometimes feel we are more tolerant and able to navigate/circumvent the ills of racism, but just like, sin is sin...prejudice is prejudice, so let’s exercise some empathy and understanding when others suffer at the prejudices of others.
Let us pull our heads out of the sand and call it what it is...become aware, and as with Nanny of the Maroons, MLK, Rosa Parks and today Prince Harry let’s rise above it without counting the cost - #BeHIP!
HUMBLE yourself - should we hate? Heck no, but we shouldn’t suffer in silence either! Like cancer, systemic racism is difficult to eradicate, if at all, but with proper diagnosis, treatments, awareness and follow-up procedures we can make a difference, regardless how small!
Be INTENTIONAL - should we turn a blind eye of acceptance?
Let’s forget about ourselves for a moment, think of the next generations - our children, grand and great grand children. Think of what we can do to help treat the cancer so when they have to report to duty, we would have started a process for them to continue. #SilenceIsNotAnOption
Be PREPARED - Yes we can!
Follow the process - acceptance, diagnosis, treatment, care! Where on the spectrum do we fit, what do we have to offer, how can we keep hope, awareness and the tools to combat injustice alive? Knowing that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me;”and knowing that I want leave this world a better place than I found it - I speak out, I write out, I serve and I love!
Love conquers ALL - Kill ‘em wid Love!!
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
We may not be able to change the world (in this lifetime) but we sure can change mindsets, tolerance levels and ignorance, one person at a time!
Let’s work within our circle of influence, wherever that may be - home, school, church, or play (virtually or in-person)...
Our actions will start a ripple effect!
Let’s treat this cancer...while living, loving and laughing!😊
