Black & White : BLM : Possibilities

 

Black and White

 

 

 

Black Lives Matter:

Living the Solution Everyday

by Ani Crane

 

My dear friend Bridget challenged me to write a piece to promote race relations. We are a black and white friendship, which is a blessing to us both.

 

 

In our conversation she asked me what makes you so open and receptive to others not like you? I thought a moment, my story tells the tale. I myself am an outlier being an adopted person. Therefore I feel compassion and empathy for others who are different from the norm, marginal people. That said, the solution is all about relationship and communication. Let me start with definition: relationship is the way in which two or more people are connected or the state of being connected. It's about connecting and trusting and being vulnerable...and that's what's missing. Trust takes time, it doesn't happen overnight. To overcome 400 years of injustice takes a tsunami to make that change. Racism is a dance and it is the moral obligation of white people to change the steps and the rhythm working together with people of color to forge the changes. The timing is right and the time is now to work in solidarity. How have I been impacted by racism is the question white people need to ask, an examination of conscience.

White people must unlearn, re-evaluate and recognize their biases. There must be a willingness to take stock and notice patterns with the aim of truth. It is a white issue to be solved.

An equal respect for all cultures is called for; respect for what is sacred to a culture, justice and equality must prevail. A power shift has to happen, one race the human race. Be the solution you want to see.

 

 

How to begin: communicate, educate, demonstrate, resist, be an outcome advocate. We are more powerful in unity, love, and beauty than in hate and fear. We can work together towards a wondrous renewal, new life, and unconditional freedom. Pray for grace, love is a state of grace. Change fate together. Shift the power. The revolution has begun, hopefully it will be a spiritual one.

For starters, I interviewed some of my FOC (friends of color)

 about what solutions look like to them. Here is what they have to say: Yvonne:

 

 

 For 67 years we have supported and loved each other

through marriages, births, divorces, and deaths.

 

 

systemic changes for equality and accountability. Erika: Someone must actually want to have a discussion. There must be honest reckoning with ourselves and be open to listen (both sides). Gina:

Gina and I are multigenerational and multi cultural friends.

 

 

There is no generic black person. There are at least 4 types and cultures, northern blacks, southern blacks, African and Caribbean Islands. All have very different cultures.

And the immigrant advantage is a real thing, immigrants enjoy higher regard than natives.

 On an individual level here's how:

In my own life I have reached out to many others because I am empathetic, interested and curious. More recently I have read many books by black authors on creating a culture of anti-racism.

(see list) from the latest efforts to some of the heroes of the past, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison and a favorite of mine, Zadie Smith..

I have had the pleasure of being in the Mahogany Book-club for a number of years reading only black authors and building trust with my sister readers which came as a side effect or gift I should say. I have built friendships there. I live the change I want to see happen. I've always been drawn to POC since I was young. My friendship with Yvonne, over the years since high school, is remarkable and has always been a constant in my life.

even though it is a mixed relationship, it has little to do with race. We both emerged in the same time period, the 50's, the same place, Queens, N.Y., and the same religion, Catholic. Basically we have the same value system and that is what holds us together to this day.

 

I will add that those values have shifted over time but our core values remain the same, we're still on the same page. I see her beauty and she sees mine.

Being members of the human race we all have the same basic needs: autonomy, celebration, integrity, support, interdependence,

physical nurturance, play, spiritual communion. And we also share the same basic feelings. When our needs are fulfilled we feel amazed, eager, glad, joyous & comfortable. When our needs are not fulfilled we feel angry, nervous, discouraged, irritated, overwhelmed and sad to name a few. Where we differ is in the strategy we use to get our needs met. We can choose positive strategies and sometimes we choose not so positive strategies. We are a match in that all humans want safety and protection and if that is threatened we may respond negatively.

How to change? Connecting and communicating is a good place to start. A definition of communication that I like is: a transfer of information involving sender, receiver and a response. Start a conversation, get a dialogue going. But before you get to this point, self education is needed. A good place to start is to learn the vocabulary of this topic, like any other subject, it has a vocabulary all it's own (see vocabulary list). Another helpful way to educate oneself is to read books by Black authors to gain understanding. This will help you to get familiar with the culture of anti-racism. I see a lot of this happening all around me now, yet 49% of the people are not on board. I say to you keep the faith, we are the light bearers, we have the power of love, do not be distracted. Carry on let your light shine. Change will come. To quote author Ibram  X. Kendi “I am a historian and that is what gives me hope, I can see change over the years”. 

 

How to make changes on a personal level...first live the change I want to see. Examine how does systemic racism impact me unconsciously? White privilege?

After soul searching, forgive self and focus on healing the inequities,

bask in the beauty of this and gain power. We are not free till everyone is free. Equality and freedom are empowering. One way that was helpful to me was joining the Mahogany Book-club at a local library. Over the years I have made several good friends, so good that when I fell & had surgery a couple of these friends visited me during my recuperation. I saw real results of the energy I had happily contributed. My goal was to educate myself but I received so much more in human comradery, very rewarding

Once I reached out there other avenues opened up to me ie; a very fine black bookstore in my area. I went there to purchase books for my grandchildren, this had many benefits...I was educating the little ones and supporting the bookstore. Another opportunity happened as I sing in a chorus which rehearsed in the African American Museum, a chance to get familiar with it and learn what's going on there. A number of our local artists painted Black Lives Matter on the street in front of the Museum, it is one of the most beautiful in the nation. Every holiday season there is a Toy Drive for local children sponsored by the Museum. And there is a Youth Farm project to get involved in if that is your interest. The possibilities are endless. If you simply wish to support by adopting one of the Organizations as your favorite charity, that works too. You can contribute to Black Lives Matter or The Color of Change or select one of many more. (see list of

Donations)

 

On a community level, there is plenty to be done. For starter’s peaceful protest and resistance. Let our energy be felt. We need to create a culture of anti-racism. There are many tools and examples to follow. Books, Films and T.V. (see list) are a good starting place. Mixed discussion groups on those timely topics thru outreach are useful in the education process. Working for systemic change and restorative justice by volunteering and post card writing to make our demands known. After systemic change, accountability to make sure there is no back sliding. Help get the vote out. In my area there was a drive called Roll to the Polls, a group effort to drive folks to the polls so they could vote, it was very successful. These grassroots efforts are the foundation of change. If you have true passion for the cause you might join forces with Black Lives Matter or donate. Three women of color formed this organization. It is the largest protest movement in history. Patrice Cullers, one of the founders, came out with a book describing the founding of the organization in ‘When they Call You A Terrorist’.  Create what you want by living it, her motto.
Recently Alicia Garza, another founder, came out with her book, ’The Purpose of Power’.
In it she urges the dismantling of existing systems and creating new ones. She encourages solidarity, join the BLM. Movement. Set your intention and then, action behind intention. You can become involved as much or as simply as you like.

 

A word about reparation, there is much pay back overdue. Where to begin? My vision
Have a centralized clearing-house where all contributions are sent (individual, corporation, government) and people of color can request funding. The money should be given out Carte Blanche to people of color regardless, like unemployment. I offered my idea to the local Director of The African American Museum. Her response was ‘where there is vision, God makes provision ‘.

 

 

Terri Lipsey Scott

Director of the Woodson African American Museum

St Petersburg, FL

 

 

 

We have examples of reconciliation in history to learn from. In South Africa, Apartheid was done away with. It can be done, it can be accomplished it was! Archbishop Tutu and. Nelson Mandela were instrumental in this success, Truth and Reconciliation. We have our own heroes as well, Martin Luther King, John Lewis fighting valiantly for freedom.
 Another example is;
The Nuremberg Trials to get justice from the atrocities of the Nazis. We can learn from these examples and create additional means to suit our situation and culture.
In summation, we are all the same; all members of the human race same needs different strategies. The children are our future, teach them well to understand is to forgive ourselves first, then healing. Love ourselves first, then one another, bask in our beauty. And gain power and imagine what could be accomplished working together in solidarity each contributing their gifts. Strength in numbers.

To quote the words of Isabel Wilkerson, “We can rejoice when our brothers and sisters break free that there may be one more human being who can add their strength to humanity.” Let us correct the rupture we have inherited. Let there be an intervention of humanitarian impulses, everyone benefits when society meets the needs of the disenfranchised. The system can be dismantled, once awakened more of us will have radical empathy. Full embrace of all humanity lifts the standards of any human endeavor. We are responsible for our own ignorance or open hearted enlightenment,
Our own wisdom, astonishment of what our species is capable of and great to be alive for this. In closing I refer to the words of Ibram X. Kendi, ‘ As an author and historian I must have hope, by observing the progress that has happened already.’

In interviewing my friends of color, one of them gave me the metaphysical point of view.
“ Everything is happening as it is supposed to happen. More people are becoming aware of the racial inequalities and injustices around the world. As more people become educated and atrocities are exposed, humanity will continue to evolve. Our planets’ energetic vibration will rise as humanities consciousness is elevated.
A lot of the problem is ignorance, misinformation, fear of change and lack of personal exposure to other cultures. The media: movies, television, magazines etc. paint a false picture of reality. Many people just do not believe the problem is as serious as the protestors say it is.
Our history books need to be rewritten so future generations will learn what really is happening in our country and on our planet. Change has to start with the children.”
Gloria M.

 

Gloria: “ We met at A Forever Moving

Dance class and discovered we are both psychic.”

She moved to Atlanta and we speak monthly.

 

Definitions:

Multi culturalism- several distinct ethnic groups supported

Abolitionist- favors abolishment of slavery

Assimilationist- advocates racial integration

Afrocentricity-   Regard African culture as prominent

Outcome advocate-for levels of outcome: law, accountability, transparency, more involvement

Collectivism-group priority over people in it

Immigrant advantage- have pluck, wit & commitment , individualism & self reliance & use of system

Racist-discrimination against POC & believes ones race is superior

Anti-racist- opposes racism and promotes racial tolerance

 

Suggested Reading List:
I have read all the books on this list, by Black Authors, some classics by Toni Morrison & James Baldwin and some by more current crop of black writers like Inram X Kendi & Isabel Wilkerson. All contributed to my education & greater understanding of the Black Culture.
Color of Water James McBride
Song of Solomon Toni Morrison
The Fire Next time James Baldwin
Another Country James Baldwin
The Warmth of other Suns Isabel Wilkerson
Stamped From the Beginning Ibram X Kendi
How to be an Anti Racist Inram X Kendi
White Fragility Robin DeAngelo
Me $ White Supremacy Layla Saad
So You Want to talk about Race Ijeoma Oluo
The Outlier Malcolm Gladwell
Caste Isabel Wilkerson

 

Film & TV

Film

Just Cause

Black Panther

If Beale St. Could Talk

The Hate U Give

Moonlight

Fruitvale Station

Get Out

Blackkklansman 

Hidden Figures

12 Years A Slave

Daughters of the Dust

Fences

Hoop Dreams

Color Purple

Sounder

Boyz in the Hood

Precious

Do the Right Thing

Raisin in the Sun

The Forgiven

Malcolm X

 

TV

Dear White People

Empire

Queen Sugar

Atlanta

Watchmen

Becoming

Homecoming: Beyonce

Orange is the New Black

Insecure

Black-ish

 

Donations

Black Lives Matter

Color of Change

Community Justice Exchange

Black Visions Collective

 

We are all born free
We all want...‘ free to be’
Enjoying love, joy and peace
La dolce vita, plenty, a feast
Work, play, rest and devotion...agree?

II
Same goals, different strategy
Discussion is the key
Thriving for everyone
With humor, style, a place in the sun
fairness, loyalty, liberty!

Chorus
Say bye bye to that twinkle of fear
Our love prevails and is sincere
We are one human race
Solidarity in this time and place
Welcome our autonomy
Celebrate our humanity
Interdependence and integrity

III
Hold that high vision
Visualize a rainbow prism
Dignity and respect for all
Otherwise we shall fall
Glimpse possibility, & escape the prison

 

Dear People

We are all on our own path from birth to death & we all have our own experiences, and they are all different. Those experiences are how we choose our values, which are all different as well. What is the same is we are all members of the human race and we all live here on planet earth together. We cannot know one another’s pain without walking in another’s shoes. So I am calling for compassion for one another. I remember when we were called the melting pot and it was a wonderful thing. Everybody get together try & love one another right now. We the people...

Thank you,

Ani Crane, Author, Psychic, Wise Woman