Two and a half years ago I published a post titled ‘Some Thoughts From Your Black Friend’. I was feeling heavy, disheartened and terrified at the same time.
Another black man had become a hashtag.
The hatred for Colin Kaepernick was palpable.
People still didn’t understand that Black Lives Matter.
Feeling helpless, I opened up my laptop and the angst, sorrow and frustration came pouring out.
Like anything I write I’ll never know the impact my words may or may not have on those who choose to read them, but that moment was monumental for me.
Although my mind swirled with the troubling statements I’d heard ad nauseam (talking about racism is divisive, stop whining about racism, all he had to do was comply, how dare he disrespect our flag!, All Lives Matter), I pushed past the fear of being criticized for my perspective and owned my truth as a black woman living in America. I stepped into something that day that I’ve yet to be able to shake, and I’m not certain I ever will.
It was the day I knew something had been awakened in me that would not be put to sleep, and it was then that the journey to this point truly began.
Two and a half years later, my initial sentiments continue to be confirmed.
There’s a lengthier list of black men and women who have become a tragic hashtag.
The hatred for Colin Kaepernick is palpable.
And people still didn’t understand that Black Lives Matter.
So in spite of my own personal doubts about stepping deeper into the work I feel called to do, I am here to talk about the things that burn deep within. I am here to address the wickedness that is racism, fuel conversations that will go beyond the echo chambers of the internet, and get real about my experiences in this beautiful, God-given skin.
I am here to pour out my thoughts as ‘your black friend’.
Sarah
29 Apr 2019Cannot wait to see all the work that you do through using your beautiful gift of writing. Love you, my friend!! <3
Patricia
1 May 2019Love you friend! Thanks for your support. It means the world to me!!!
candice Iverson
30 Apr 2019Looking forward to filling up on your food for thought.
Patricia
6 May 2019Thank you so much for your support!!
Tawnya
1 May 2019I don’t read blogs anymore but I’ll be damned if I don’t read this one!! I’m so excited for this and to hear your thoughts 🖤
I hope you have open hearts and change minds and patterns.
Tawnya
1 May 2019I hope you can*
Patricia
6 May 2019Tawnya!!! You have no idea what that means to me. Thank YOU!!
Blessings,
Patricia
Becki Svare
1 May 2019Congrats on the new website!! Such an important topic!
Patricia
6 May 2019Thank you Becki!!
Blessings,
Patricia
Lindsy Wallace
3 May 2019Here for it. Thank you for being willing.
Patricia
6 May 2019Thank you so much Lindsy. <3
Blessings,
Patricia
Melissa McCain
8 May 2019Patty, you write with such profundity. You talk about the issues in such a way that it touches the heart at its core. Can’t wait to see you blossom even more as the a new world of possibilities unfold before you! Proud of you! Go friend!! <3
Patricia
8 May 2019Thank you so much Melissa!! Your friendship and kind words are invaluable to me!!!