A Country Defined
...and what I'm doing next.
Hello everybody! I hope everyone is well. In light of recent events, I’m cutting straight to the chase.
This recent election was HARD in every sense of the word. No matter which side you rooted for this election cost us physically, mentally, and relationally. Yet my aim with this post isn’t to sow more fear or discourse. It’s not to state what could go wrong in the next 4 years.
This post is to share my appreciation of what could have been and where my focus is shifting next.
First Things First…
I debated posting about this event. Not because I was afraid it would out me politically but because it was a special, intimate moment.
You may ask, how does standing among a crowd of thousands at a Kamala rally feel like an intimate moment?
As ludicrous as that sounds that’s exactly how I felt.
On that Saturday Mom and I arrived shortly before entry around 1pm. Thankfully, the line moved quickly. As soon as we were in we snagged our seats, grabbed some concessions, and danced the day away.
As the hours bled away into the cool evening our anticipation was growing. I always heard about the fanfare of celebrity appearances at Kamala rallies and knowing ours was none other than USHER had me squealing.
As an Atlantean who listened to the Confessions album RELIGIOUSLY growing up I was over the moon. As a note, please forgive the blurriness I was a LONG WAY away.
Usher strolled onto the stage in his dapper prince fashion and roused the audience with a rendition of We Ready for War.
His speech was clear and to the point. He made it clear the battle was ahead and laid the foundation for Kamala’s appearance. He gave one final charge for applause. Then all we had to do was wait.
Looking back on that day, there is a part of me that thought ‘What if this doesn’t happen?' But I was so grateful for being in that moment, so full of hope at the possibilities, I put it out of my mind. Knowing what I know now I wish I knew the reality of what was against her.
Moments after Usher left we saw the large blue curtain peel back. Soon there were shadows in the distance and we all went hush. Beyonce’s Freedom blarred through the speakers and Kamala appeared.
We didn’t just go ‘WILD’. We Erupted. *Excuse my sobbing while I relive this.
Kamala stepped onto the stage with the confidence only she could have. Her smile was beaming with readiness and determination in her eyes.
As soon as she took the podium she got to work. Her speech that day was like waking a sleeping giant. She made it clear that now more than ever it was the time to strike. Strike hard with our vote, make our voices heard, and secure a peaceful path forward.
She was also sure to make it clear what was at stake.
What we all know is at stake today.
My focus moving forward
Emotionally, it feels like processing and floating at the same time. Now more than ever black history, institutions, policies, clubs, literature, and communities are at risk. My priorities now are to preserve those areas.
With that said here are some people I’m following and supporting who are inspiring communities and effort to make that happen:
Actions and Resources
Now, there is another wave of support for black-owned businesses. Brae (the black reader’s appreciation event ) has a hundred-plus black writers you can support.
History Reading List:
Each of these content creators has entered the chat of “Reading isn’t political” chat. They’ve used their platforms to share comprehensive reading lists in line with what to do with political upsets such as this one:
Mr Leslie Smith - A Miami-based creator - originator of ‘Reading List if you're pissed.’
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loherrington a.k.a. Laurann - Scholar on black female literature
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Black Tampa Historians - specializes in story histories
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A few of the titles mentioned above are in my shopper’s cart. I’ll put together a reading list soon.
Speaking of online shopper’s cart…
If you're looking to support indie online retailers and black-owned bookstores:
Bookshop.org (an online retailer that partners with independent bookstores)
*Brave and Kind Books Decatur (black-owned bookshop in Decatur, Ga)
Call and Response CHI (black-owned bookstore in Chicago)
AALBC (Comprehensive List of Black-owned Publishers)
All the above either partner with or help you locate these bookstores and titles in your area.
African American Archives
Recently, I’ve begun digging into archives and it’s opened up a new world for me. I’m discovering all these facets of black history, from heritage preservation, decoding different records and more.
Even if you aren’t researching your personal history here are resources and associations that are helpful to me:
The Afro-American Historical and Genealogy Society -*Obviously.
This historical society is a great resource to bookmark. They routinely publish and discuss new findings all geared towards black preservation through their local chapters.
I recently found this really cool resource. This site is dedicated to building a digital archives with links to national /international black databases. Beware, some of these links (and/or) pages are already down - coming up not found.
Take from that what you will.
Lastly, Me…
In the grand scheme of things I still plan on soldiering on in my creativity and upcoming projects. While it maybe under fire, my artistry is valid and I fundamentally believe that building community and unification is incredibly important.
With that being said, a small thing I am doing is hosting virtual writing sessions. Writers Write sessions are weekly sessions from 7:30-9pm dedicated to writing.
Introducing Writers Write, Atlanta corners and more!
Hi there! It’s been a hot minute, but trust me when I say this hot girl summer has brought a ton of creative energy, joy, some ups and downs, but most importantly the belief in better days.
If you’re a writer looking for a place to start, need an accountability session to pour into your novel, or know someone else whose a writer and needs those things…that’s what these sessions are for.
It’s no frills and chill vibes. My last one for November will be this Thursday, Nov. 21st. I post the link on the Writers’ Write IG page or if you’re interested you can message me and I’ll send it directly.
I hope this helps in some way! If you have any other suggestions/comments in vain with this post please comment below! Enjoyed the post please like and share :)
Until next time.