Oluwatoyin Salau, 19

I have written some of these sentences multiple times, willing words to automatically materialise. It didn’t. At least not with ease.

Words still escape me. 

This year

The past few months

The last three weeks have been worse than a Nightmare on Elm Street.

When I said I could feel my second wind coming, I didn’t know it meant getting the wind knocked completely out of me. 

Weary is an understatement.
Two weeks ago I cancelled my therapy session, too overwhelmed to articulate feelings. Where would I begin to discuss all the things I feel past, present, and future? 

I donate, I educate myself even more, I share amongst friends, I sign petitions, I pray, I resolve to do better for my community and future- a future that is so uncertain…and still, I cannot let up.

Breonna Taylor, 26

If there is a rare of moment of joy, thoughts of George, Breonna, Belly, Ahmaud, Toyin, Shukri, Tony, Rashad, and so many treasured others lying in graves not planned for them, suddenly come to mind. Helplessness and grief follows. 

And every day there is someone else. Every day. 

What do we do?
We participate in changing and challenging the world to do and be better; one conversation, one action, one moment at a time.
What you do, can make a world of difference to what we, and our successors get to experience. Your contribution is vital and a key component to what happens next. No one is too small or big to do something.

Meliorism– The belief that the world can be made better by human effort.

We must elevate our thinking and actions past what we have done and know, and envision and work without relenting for something greater.
And in doing that, dispel stereotypes, bridge the inequality gap, use your privilege, interrupt and correct wrong doings, take a stand and speak up, educate yourself, be proactive & conscientious, and put your money where your mouth is. Lip service simply won’t do, only deeds.
Our lives depend on it.

Shukri Abdi, 12

We have a long way to go, but we are on our way.
And I trust that you will do your part in creating histories to be proud of. 

xo

P.s I’ll be honest this post still feels all over the place, but better to speak than not to.