I Am At A Loss

I am at a loss, for the past few months, I’ve been working diligently with my Aunt Carol François on the Why are they so Angry? project. Our purpose is to enlighten all people about systemic racism so when they see it, they can say it, then they can confront it.

 What started as a simple book and movie list about systemic racism has grown into a Facebook group, monthly book discussions, podcast, online course, website, merchandise, speaking engagements, and so much more. All of this in the effort to bring understanding about and eventual dismantling of systemic racism. But, after hearing the news the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor have not been punished, I am at a loss.

 I have read an array of books and resources about the unimaginable abuses suffered by Black/African Americans. Our ancestors were brought to this country for the singular purpose of providing free labor, yet since our "freedom" in 1865, we have been treated like invaders, or worse, like obsolete equipment, but never fully people.

 Everything from the violation of basic rights to medical experimentation, has been done to people who did not ask to be here but who have chosen to not only survive but thrive despite being thwarted at almost every turn. We are dismissed and blamed for losing at a game we did not create, and, if we dare speak up, we are called ungrateful and vengeful.

 I am learning and teaching about history not taught in schools---deep dark secrets buried by America to maintain the image of a country that is free to all, not just some. The work is hard, and the material is harder to digest, but I know it must be shared.

 I know that I can't stop working. I know that I can't live in fear. I know that I can't lose hope, but it is hard---Breonna is another name added to the long list of why we are so ANGRY.