It's frustrating to sit in a space where who and what we are as a country, first, and then who we are and how we are perceived based upon our race leaves us unraveled from the inside out. And it has a become a norm. WHY?
All the individuals who came before us in the fight for civil rights are looking upon us asking us to SHIFT the narrative. There are youth and children who are looking up to us and asking us to SHOW THEM what they come from - but most of us are unsure ourselves, or have allowed mainstream societal regression get in the way of the opportunity to recreate the narrative.
The NEW NARRATIVE calls us to be radical and creative in our re-creation. It asks us to call accountability to our nation's leaders, our community leaders, our neighborhoods, our family and self. The accountability will enable us to B.E.L.I.E.V.E in us (as a society) again.
Our Beliefs, Experiences, Lens, Innate Strengths. Education. and Values ALL impact how we Evolve (B.E.L.I.E.V.E.) Taking stock of beliefs paves the way to common ground. We often have similar experiences that when placed in the humanity - we share, aligns us to one another. The Lens by which we view our reality and the one around us often becomes similar by way of circumstances. The Innate Strength that stems from our history being enslaved, passing through the perils of Emancipation and Jim Crow, led those we identify as ancestors and predecessors to what was known as the Civil Rights Movement. Our paths to education continue to become endangered right before our eyes, leaving our children out in the cold.
Policing in our communities has become a normalcy in a negative way. I recall Neighborhood Watch programs from my childhood. As an organizer I have spoke to Block Captains. A lot of what we have let "go out to the trash" needs to be recycled. Kids are afraid to be outside in their own backyard due to predators and police. As a kid I NEVER was afraid to play outside. And I knew that community members looked out for me in my parent's absence. And I knew as a kid, what I "attempted to do in the dark" would always come to light. As an ADULT, I myself sit uncomfortable in public, based upon my skin and sexual orientation. And I have heard stories from both adults and children...either way, same common denominator - society is NOT friendly.
Calling accountability to our leaders is the first step to SHIFTING the narrative. This brings HOPE to have AUDACITY to B.EL.I.E.V.E. we can redeem ourselves through accountability. We need space under a system that respects dignity and humanity of all people.
All the individuals who came before us in the fight for civil rights are looking upon us asking us to SHIFT the narrative. There are youth and children who are looking up to us and asking us to SHOW THEM what they come from - but most of us are unsure ourselves, or have allowed mainstream societal regression get in the way of the opportunity to recreate the narrative.
The NEW NARRATIVE calls us to be radical and creative in our re-creation. It asks us to call accountability to our nation's leaders, our community leaders, our neighborhoods, our family and self. The accountability will enable us to B.E.L.I.E.V.E in us (as a society) again.
Our Beliefs, Experiences, Lens, Innate Strengths. Education. and Values ALL impact how we Evolve (B.E.L.I.E.V.E.) Taking stock of beliefs paves the way to common ground. We often have similar experiences that when placed in the humanity - we share, aligns us to one another. The Lens by which we view our reality and the one around us often becomes similar by way of circumstances. The Innate Strength that stems from our history being enslaved, passing through the perils of Emancipation and Jim Crow, led those we identify as ancestors and predecessors to what was known as the Civil Rights Movement. Our paths to education continue to become endangered right before our eyes, leaving our children out in the cold.
Policing in our communities has become a normalcy in a negative way. I recall Neighborhood Watch programs from my childhood. As an organizer I have spoke to Block Captains. A lot of what we have let "go out to the trash" needs to be recycled. Kids are afraid to be outside in their own backyard due to predators and police. As a kid I NEVER was afraid to play outside. And I knew that community members looked out for me in my parent's absence. And I knew as a kid, what I "attempted to do in the dark" would always come to light. As an ADULT, I myself sit uncomfortable in public, based upon my skin and sexual orientation. And I have heard stories from both adults and children...either way, same common denominator - society is NOT friendly.
Calling accountability to our leaders is the first step to SHIFTING the narrative. This brings HOPE to have AUDACITY to B.EL.I.E.V.E. we can redeem ourselves through accountability. We need space under a system that respects dignity and humanity of all people.
The LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE launched the Vision for Justice. This platform envisions a new paradigm for public safety that respects the humanity, dignity and human rights of all people. The platform presents 14 Planks across 3 Themes. The School-to-Prison pipeline has become a front door into the criminal-legal system, funneling its kids into jails and prisons. Few functions in the criminal-legal system have not, in some way or in some jurisdiction, been commercialized by private industry. The goal is to build a system that respects the dignity, rights and humanity of all people.
And that my friends, serves the ability to B.EL.I.E.V.E. that we can SHIFT the Narrative
And that my friends, serves the ability to B.EL.I.E.V.E. that we can SHIFT the Narrative