The Art of Survival: Rest, Repair, and Recovery
The nation is in mourning. Recent murders of unarmed black Americans reinforce an uncomfortable truth: that we are still targeted, hunted, and wrongfully killed at the hands of police.
That we must still inform our children on the dangers and unfair practices of racial profiling.
That we are not safe, equal, or free.
Survival is being reduced to a university quota, a mere commodity.
Survival is being reduced to a lower state of being.
And when we’re not surviving, we are reduced to hashtags. Our deaths are still replayed on social media and live broadcasts. The narratives of our brothers and sisters are repackaged for white audiences. We are blamed when we are defenseless. We are criminalized because of our skin color.
For the millions of black Americans in this nation, recovery seems intangible. Every day, another injustice surfaces. Another mother loses her child. Another child loses their father. The cycle seems inescapable. Every facet of American life is tarnished by racism and prejudice. Is it too late for us?
No.
Though we are still terrorized by these injustices, we can practice the art of survival in a way that transforms us, not reduces us.
We must find time to rest.
In these moments we are able to recharge and reassess our deepest fears and problems. As a result, we can confront them and turn pain into power. When we pause and think about the impact we want to make, we can produce radical change.
In these moments of rest, we are able to recoup. We are able to preserve our identity and prioritize our time. Self care aids with this process — these small acts can produce revolutionary movements.
We must find time to repair.
We are each gifted and talented in our way. Using those skills to give back to our communities is essential to change. Seeking measures to support the families of those who are murdered by the police is a good start. Additionally, being a mentor to youth and students can lead to empowerment. Participating in the political process is also important. That can be accomplished through voting and informing oneself on the issues.
Those who do not directly identify with the black struggle for equality can simply be a friend. Be a champion of our causes and communities. Listen to us when we say that we are being killed. Don’t police our reactions or emotions. Stand next to us because we need you too.
Repairing America is going to take time. It’s going to take the involvement and cooperation of everyone. Divisiveness in these crises only promote more violence and outrage. In order to break that cycle, we must acknowledge the failings of our society and work together to find solutions.
We must find time to recover.
Find time. Find space. Find truth. Recovery is not instant. In fact it can take a lifetime — but it is worth the work. It is a journey of the self first and foremost. It takes support, effort, encouragement, tears, sweat, and blood; but the result is compassion. Compassion for ourselves and others. When we overcome these hardships together, we become resilient.
Today, we grieve for all the men, women, and children that we’ve lost. But tomorrow we fight. Tomorrow, we assemble. We mobilize.
For we have earned our places in the classroom.
We have earned our places in the office and boardroom.
We have earned our places here, there, and everywhere.
We too, deserve peace.
We too, shape America.
