Yes. The above image is time-sensitive and arguably a local concern. But hang with me please for a moment.
First things first, I am not running for public office. But I am helping facilitate a convo about acknowledging, addressing, and overcoming, white supremacist terror in the beautiful state of Tennessee. It will involve a poem, an open discussion, and a description of a future effort/event or two which those in attendance will hopefully all want to be a part of later. Join us.
Also, let me know if you’re coming.
The above image is of Bree Newsome Bass on June 27, 2015. She was arrested and almost killed for her prophetic action in Columbia, South Carolina. Nikki Haley would sign into law a measure to remove the flag in July of the same year, but, to my knowledge, she has yet to publicly honor or recognize Ms. Bass’s act of civic courage.
My life is full of awakenings. I share the image because it marks one of them. I heard Ms. Bass speak in Nashville months later. She said something I decided to write down: "It's not the responsibility of oppressed people to explain their oppression to those for whom ignorance is a lifestyle."
It’s not the responsibility of oppressed people to explain their oppression to those for whom ignorance is a lifestyle. That landed hard for me. I’m learning to collect and treasure and share with others words and images and sayings and facts of history that land hard for me.
Here’s another one from Charles W. Mills (brought to my attention by Greg Jarrell): "Whiteness is a cognitive model that precludes self-transparency and genuine understanding of social realities."
That lands hard for me too, but…God help me. It names a thing. Whiteness names a thing.
As I get older in my context, I feel increasingly compelled by conscience and self-respect and possibly the holy spirit to speak of whiteness. Here’s a screen-shot of some of my word work.
So….that’s almost it from me. If you’re one of my 2,453 subscribers, you’re probably familiar with a few of my personal and public efforts in confronting threats without and within here and there. I wish to offer whatever encouragement I can in your pursuit of your own in your myriad contexts. If I can, let me know.
Thank you for hanging in here and there with me.
I plan to attend. I’ll have to leave right on time to pick up a grandchild.
I wish this could be an evening event. Is there a reason that you all chose mid day?