It's My Hope
The events of last year were historic. 2020 gave us a heightened sense of community amidst social uprising resulting in the largest multiracial movement in human history. It seemed like – finally – there was worldwide acknowledgement that systemic racism exists. This enlightenment has long been overdue.
My hopes for 2021 is that we keep that same energy, to be in community and have collective visioning. This could be the beginning of something greater.
My hope is also that Black History Month not only reminds the world that we walk with the weight of racial inequality, but also displays our joy and successes. Being Black is a celebration of resilience. The black experience is multifaceted, we face daily struggles in a world that doesn’t favour us and yet, I love being black... I love our culture, shades, shapes, hair, humour, music, food (I can go on!!). I love our innate understanding that each of our personal victories is like a testament to our black sisters and brothers. I love that we are bonded by our history with the stories of our ancestors woven into our DNA. We have such a powerful foundation. I love the strength, resilience, and vulnerability of Blackness. We were born with the capacity to keep going, and we will keep going.
The rest of the world is starting to see what we’ve known our whole lives. We matter. We are equals. We are excellence. We need to walk in our power, stand in solidarity, and take up space.
To our allies, thank you for your voices and support. Beyond donating and supporting Black-owned businesses, an important part of your role is educating yourself about the lived experiences of Black people.
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dream.”
I am hopeful.
My hopes for 2021 is that we keep that same energy, to be in community and have collective visioning. This could be the beginning of something greater.
My hope is also that Black History Month not only reminds the world that we walk with the weight of racial inequality, but also displays our joy and successes. Being Black is a celebration of resilience. The black experience is multifaceted, we face daily struggles in a world that doesn’t favour us and yet, I love being black... I love our culture, shades, shapes, hair, humour, music, food (I can go on!!). I love our innate understanding that each of our personal victories is like a testament to our black sisters and brothers. I love that we are bonded by our history with the stories of our ancestors woven into our DNA. We have such a powerful foundation. I love the strength, resilience, and vulnerability of Blackness. We were born with the capacity to keep going, and we will keep going.
The rest of the world is starting to see what we’ve known our whole lives. We matter. We are equals. We are excellence. We need to walk in our power, stand in solidarity, and take up space.
To our allies, thank you for your voices and support. Beyond donating and supporting Black-owned businesses, an important part of your role is educating yourself about the lived experiences of Black people.
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dream.”
I am hopeful.
Sincerely, Stephanie Joseph-Flatts
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Photo by Autumn Goodman on Unsplash
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