How are you celebrating Black History month?
Here's one thing I'm doing.....
The last few years we’ve witnessed terrible events for the black community as well as other people of color. At the same time, we’re witnessed some good things. I want to see more of the latter and less of the former, as I’m sure you do as well. As a culture, we-the-people-of-the-United States-of-America have a long road ahead before we reach true equality for all people without regard for race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or gender.
As a white woman, I know I enjoy white privilege. I also know I am woefully undereducated about other cultures and people who live with me in this country. I grew up in South Texas in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. I am old enough to remember segregated water fountains, bathrooms, and eating areas. As a child, I didn’t understand why things were this way. Only once I hit my 20’s did I begin to understand the oppression black people felt. Only once I worked and lived with black people and heard their stories did I even begin to fathom the pain and suffering they have endured.
One of the things I have felt most poignantly over the last few years, is compassion for black parents. When I see young black men and women being killed by the police or white citizens who feel they have the right to steal life from these people, I can’t imagine the stress and worry parents must feel when they see their beloved black child going to the store, an event, or even to work. Will their child come home alive?
I’ve heard about how black parents have “the talk” with their children telling them what they can and can’t do in public and what to do if they are pulled over by the police. Every time I see a black man, especially if they are young, I send them protective grace and an angel to be sure they stay safe. Yes, this is woo-woo behavior but it’s something I can do and I hope it helps.
I decided I wanted to read a book for black history month and looked around until I found one called Black Joy by Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts and was just released February 1, 2022. I chose it for the subtitle, hoping it would help me know how black people might be handling what has been thrown at them for years. I wanted to know how they find their joy.
Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration
I am not disappointed. Tracey writes from her heart and shares her feelings of both pain and joy in ways that can support black people and enlighten the rest of us. I encourage you to read books by and about people of color. No matter how enlightened we think we are when it comes to racial issues, we can always learn and grow more in our appreciation for other people and cultures.
Living with grace and ease,
Krysta