Dear Beloved Community Members, the first day of our Journey Event, Saturday, I did not walk. There were neo-nazis in our city, rallying for hate and violence toward those of us they see as “others.” But honestly, this is not new to us. As Black folks we are taught, very early on, as a survival mechanism, to be aware of our surroundings and to be careful of where we go. Because there could be people who don’t know you, who don’t value your life, who don’t see you as human and who see you as a threat. This is something we carry with us as People of Color (POC). It’s not something that we can take off, like a coat. Every day activities could be dangerous for POC.

But I must lift, not only overt racism but also covert racism, white privilege & power, oppression and systemic racism all need to be dismantled. All are toxic and can be deadly. The disparities of systemic racism are just as dangerous to bodies, minds, and life chances.

I walk today with the prayer that the generation who comes after us, won’t always have to worry about where they are at and how folks may perceive them. That they won’t always have to worry about biased perceptions toward them that could lead to toxic or deadly outcomes. I continue to have hope and faith! Our work continues. Much love….

Charlae Davis