... And Justice for All ...

                                        

 If those in power really cared, we would not find ourselves in a world where we have to spell out that "Black lives matter" and "children do not belong in cages." We would not be debating whether or not women and people of color deserve equal pay. Healthcare for all would not be debatable. In the year 2020, we would not continue spending more money on military, policing, and prison systems than we do on education, housing, and food production. The health, safety, and overall care of our children and elderly would be prioritized over all else. 

As Nelson Mandela stated, "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." If the way children have been treated in our society throughout history says anything, it screams out blatant immoral evilness. If society has the ability to neglect and abuse the impoverished, regardless of color, it shows their void of a conscience. Indigenous people continue to be murdered, raped, and robbed without consequence. Black and Brown people continue to be overlooked, feared, hated, abused, murdered, and falsely accused.  Asylum seeking families are torn apart, raped, abused, sterilized, starved, and locked in cages. This country values the lives of stray dogs more than other human beings.

In the scientific world, human beings are one species. Our places of birth or national origin, determines our nationalities. The combination of our nationalities with ethnicity determines our cultural backgrounds. The languages we speak, foods we eat, religious beliefs, music, dance, and physical appearance due to nationality and ethnicity are what diversifies human beings; but we remain human nonetheless.

It is a fact that many fail to accept this truth; although, it is scientifically proven. It is not accidental that these truths have been kept from all of us throughout history. What better way to keep the flock from straying from its shepherd? Do not expect or allow your followers to think on their own or have exposure to factual evidence. Historical truths are kept from young people in elementary schools and colleges alike. 

 Why should we care?

If this is a question that you are asking yourself, than perhaps you need to do some soul searching of your own. The question ought to be, how can you not care. If you do not have trouble living in a heartless world that treats people with such hate and contempt, then you are clearly part of the problem.  

 So what can we do? 

We can speak up when we witness injustice. By not remaining silent, we are raising awareness to those around us. Stop being bystanders and practice becoming upstanders. Begin the dialogue in our homes, schools, workplaces, churches, and communities surrounding equity and justice. Begin researching organizations that focus on justice work and get involved. Become educated on political issues in our communities and country regarding justice and educate others. Everyone can do something. Every small act adds up to larger impacts.

What if no one listens? 

Every time you speak up, people are listening. They may not change or respond, but you are heard. Put your thoughts and messages down onto paper and write. This is partly why I began this blog. I feel that I have so much in my heart and head that needs to be expressed. Since I do not have a platform to speak of my many solo conversations, I decided to write. Write letters, poems, songs, or speeches, draw, paint, or create artistically. It is alright if they may never be seen, read, or spoken aloud. The point is you got your thoughts out of your head. Just be proud that you are trying to evoke change and eventually, folks might pay attention. (But who cares if they do not)?

Who am I to try and make change?

Just the simple fact that you were born into this world at this particular time proves that you are meant to share your voice and gifts with others. "Nobody's" do not exist in this world. We are all here for a purpose and our lives make a difference, whether we see it or not. Do not question your worth and power to promote change, just put yourself out there and do the work. Start small and keep building your skillset. Find your passion and make that your work. Every act large and small equates larger change. Remain focused on what is important to you and keep marching forward. 

Whether you are a healer, teacher, caregiver, creator, encourager, fighter, or protector, you are a necessary part of the mission towards justice.

We are collective warriors fighting in the war towards peace, love, joy, and justice.

(It is not important that we live to see our work manifest into reality, but that we lived our lives trying)?