Call of the Wild

Gretchen, Gretchen, Gretchen! You wrote this article and the Huffington Post was smart enough to publish it on their site so that it could be viewed by a mass audience. I applaud you both.

Gretchen, it’s so incredibly hard to communicate the pain and anguish that goes into a description of being Black in America. It’s been tough for me to articulate to my many friends, why certain things are offensive to us. You have captured the essence of that plight in your article. I, like you, grew up in a multi-cultural environment with friends from all walks of life- race, religion, culture, all of it. It was often painstaking to try to explain why it’s offensive for my friends to say to me, “you’re not really Black.” I would totally understand where they were coming from, but would be equally offended by that statement. I can’t distance myself from the very people who are my closest brothers and sisters. I clarify here that ALL people are my brothers and sisters. I have friends from all segments of the rainbow who would absolutely give their lives for me. I KNOW this. If somebody attempted to do me harm in public, they would fight for me. I KNOW this.

It’s just painful that those same folks say and do things that are offensive and insensitive and don’t even know it. That’s why your article is so important. You not only shared your journey, but you offered tools and tips for others to begin their own journey, which is invaluable. Truly invaluable.

I’ve felt MOVED to do something to assist with this effort. I consider myself somebody who has a bird’s eye view of this American experience. Thus, this written article was born today. Initially, I was hoping to keep my race and age to myself so that my writing could be read without a filter. However, based on the most recent events, I realize that I would be cheating myself if I didn’t comment and wasn’t fully honest from which angle I come.

I will still do more than write articles, comments, etc that may not ever be read. But, I feel a responsibility to write SOMETHING. I have no children, so I’m not yet moved to write out of some fear for them. I write today because I want to be sure that generations from now, they understand that we weren’t just sitting around sipping lattes and driving Porsches while our people were being killed across America. I feel the NEED to be sure something remains that I can leave behind that says many of us don’t act because we’re afraid. We hate to even admit that. America has us frightened right now. What will you all do? Am I safe, especially in this all white environment in which I work? Am I any safer as I travel back to my city of Oakland, CA. There’s plenty of unrest there, with no leadership even present in the police department as I write today. There’s a city administrator but no Chief of Police. They can’t find one. Everyone that was appointed either opted out thereafter or was removed due to “new information established during the vetting process.” Excusez-moi??

What the fuck is going on in this country?? Does the average American really look at life today and think there’s not a ticking time bomb clocking down to the final hour? What I DO know is this: if LEADERSHIP doesn’t figure out VERY SOON what to do with this sentiment/conflict/issue if you want to call it that, this country will burn. When people who have nothing to lose and decide the hour has come, we’re all in trouble. And, I’m just as frightened as you non-black people. Why? Because when loose canons decide to go off, NOBODY will be able to control them. Nobody will be safe doing anything or going anywhere. If that’s the “freedom” you all think that America is, then continue on in the direction you’re headed- 150 mph toward a brick wall.

Where are our leaders you may ask? Well, you all have killed the ones who were bold enough to try to lead us to a different place. So, now people who could step up to be leaders are afraid to do so. And rightfully so. The retaliation is horrible when you work for justice and fairness. I’m even afraid that this article will be read, interpreted and used against me by my employer. I’m not a part of any group or organization. My only agenda is peace.

I believe that, at this point, we’re all tired of the violence, bickering and continued coverage of all things controversial. What’s the answer? Opportunity. We need the opportunity to take advantage of the gifts, talent and intelligence we possess. We need fully, unencumbered access to capital, education and small business acumen. With this, we can properly carve out a solution for ourselves. I understand now, and have come to grips with my Pollyanna view, that we can all love one another, not see color and live together in peace. I’m still mourning this vision. I truly believed that exposure and understanding would melt away racist attitudes and deep seated bigotry. But, I get it now. It’s here to stay until people do the very work Gretchen described in her article above. Thank you again, Sister! You’ve articulated something for us that so much needed to be stated clearly and without apology or blame. There’s no room for blame and guilt. The time now is for dialogue, which will hopefully lead to some action and then to much needed healing.

Your article is just the beginning, Gretchen. I’ve shared it with all my friends on Facebook, in order to share your journey to give courage to others to begin their own. Again, I thank you so much. We need people like you and our souls are touched by your sentiment and concern. One day, we will all smile and look back at this time as a tough time but a truly expansive, transformative experience. Generations to come will be grateful; WE RISE TOGETHER!

Love is the cream that rises to the top, whether you’re drinking a latte or eating an ice cream sundae, but either way, it’s so sweet.

One Love