HeadsUp Fox Cities’ Post

Maybe the fundamental question is can black and white Americans thrive together in the same country without black American's having to navigate any degree of (or minimal degrees of) presumptive inferiority? Do these white men believe both can co-exist? I would imagine that these men don’t have experience with managing fear, as a collective. They are scared. They likely see this election, and this moment in our nation’s history, as either supporting their survival or assuring their demise. I guess. What history has shown us is that in the face of this perception (notice I didn’t say reality), those who believe that black people are inferior AND are change adverse in general, react violently and/or by strongly desiring domination over the "threat", by any means necessary. If they see us... 🎯 women us 🎯 brown us 🎯 progressive us, but especially black us... as a threat to their thriving and see this election and the mounting of support for a reimagined America, as a de facto vehicle to usher in their extinction...we are facing a much more insidious concern than simply disliking black people or women. This is why we must usher in a new normal for America. A President Harris administration will position our country well for the sweeping policy changes that will cement and codify what America must become, and finally require America to honor her own constitution. We the people can finally mean WE the people.

Recently, when there would be a big news story about a Black woman’s death by suicide due to bullying or murder by the police, I would try to elevate a dialogue about it. This seemed what the “standard” was, for my role trying to build equity and continue vigilance against creeping anti-Blackness. I was usually met with uncomfortable silence, deflections, and dismissal (literally). What a common and unfortunate perpetuation — at this point, many of us should be used to it. Today, I cannot watch the body cam of Sonya Massey’s murder. Just reading the transcript is enough trauma. My heart tells me that we, Black women, are not seen as humans, by so many. Let that sit with you, my white progressive friends. You may be one of the “good ones,” who obviously see me and women who look like me as human, but we are living in a world where this baseline is not a given. Carrying that realization is renewed trauma every single day. You, who have proximate position to white maleness (which is the seat of the abusive power system) please don’t take the Sonya story, the Pet to Threat recurring tragedy, or any other form of anti-Black woman harm as something to sit in silent comfort around. If you want more support and guidance on what you need to know and how you can start taking some sustainable steps, follow me. I’ll be sharing more. This is an appeal from the heart. If, God please, we have a Black/Brown woman president, each of us will have to act very differently, and challenge ourselves to do all we can to protect and trust Black women. Start today.

Reparations are essential to addressing the deep-rooted legacy of white supremacy. For centuries, Black communities have faced systemic oppression, economic exploitation, and social injustices. Reparations are not just about financial compensation but also about acknowledging the wrongs, healing the wounds, and investing in the future of Black people. By demanding reparations, we strive to rectify historical injustices, promote equity, and ensure that Black communities can thrive. Join us in the fight for justice and equality by clicking the link in the bio. #ReparationsNow #BlackRootsAlliance #JusticeForAll #EquityAndHealing

She sought help, yet the weight of calling the police as a Black person is often misunderstood. It can mean risking our lives when they are already threatened. In our moments of need, we are often unseen. Sonya believed she would receive aid. Sonya desperately needed it. In an instant, Sonya was labeled a "threat," pleading for mercy... and was shot in the face. Demonized over a pot of boiling water. Murdered for calling on the name of her Savior. Sonya was failed. SAY HER NAME. Sonya Massey should still be alive. Sonya Massey should still be here. SONYA MASSEY SHOULD STILL BE HERE! SAY HER NAME. For those committed to racial justice and equity, understand that this journey goes deeper than mere statements. It requires more than supporting Black-led and empowering organizations. What are you divesting from? Whom are you holding accountable, and to whom are you accountable? It's about actions, not just declarations against racism. It's about actively dismantling racist systems. George Floyd's death sparked long-overdue action, where words began to translate into tangible change. Businesses, organizations, foundations, and more started acknowledging harm and committing to real reform. But the work is far from over. Your statements must be followed by actions; commitment demands movement.

It took me a while to speak on the tragic loss of Sonya Massey. It was knowing that she has now joined the countless others who were met with the heartbreaking reality that men and women of color are still being met with the harm inflicted by law enforcement. Rather it is sleeping in your own bed, selling loose cigarettes, taking the train home on New Year's, a routine traffic light, walking home with juice and candy, or taking a run in a developing neighborhood. Sonya's story is a stark reminder of the persistent systemic issues. I can't speak for anyone else but I AM TIRED. I am tired of wearing people who look like me on t-shirts to raise awareness that their lives matter and that the lives who look like me matter. I am tired of seeing our communities suffer. I am tired of being emotionally hijacked because society meets these injustices with silence and inaction. It's time for meaningful change, accountability, and reform. For those who hold power and can enact change. I encourage you to demand justice in the face of such heartbreaking events that we are ALL so used to. Call out the systematic issue of state-sanctioned violence whose roots are aligned with white supremacy which has been the driving force behind consistent and persistent harm against marginalized populations. I challenge you to honor Sonya's legacy by standing up, speaking out, and working towards a future where every Black life is valued and protected. As this information unfolds All-En is encouraging everyone to prioritize their self-care and take in information as you can. #JusticeForSonya #BlackLivesMatter #EndPoliceViolence #SocialJustice #AccountabilityNow #SayHerName #BlackLivesMatter

For Black people, racial justice must include healing, restoration, reparations, and transformation as key components, encompassing the past, present, and future. Our research delves deeper into these critical aspects. https://lnkd.in/gb68qgWm Swipe to see our breakdown of what this means.

Do Policies Matter More Than Party Affiliations? 🤔💼 In this discussion, we explore the significance of policies over party loyalty, especially within the context of the Black community and business ownership. We examine differing views on support, agreement, and the pursuit of meaningful change. #PoliticalDiscussion #PoliciesOverParties #BlackBusiness #CommunityChange #TrumpSupport #PoliticalEngagement #CriticalThinking #BusinessOwnership #VotingMatters #FutureOfPolitics

How can you be an ally during #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond? Take action. If you're unsure where to begin, consider joining an upcoming community session from Modern Health to learn how you can confront anti-Black racism and become a stronger ally to your Black friends, colleagues, and community members. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/g32srAU8

In the wake of Sonya Massey's tragic death, our hearts are heavy with sorrow and outrage. As we continually discuss public safety strategies, we must confront a painful question: What does "safety" truly mean for Black women who seek protection within their own homes, only to face fatal outcomes from the very individuals sworn to safeguard their lives? We rebuke this state-sanctioned violence; it is unacceptable and intolerable. We say her name, Sonya Massey. We carry her memory, and we remember the countless others who have suffered similar fates. This cycle of trauma and terror is not an incident; it is generational, an echo of heartache that repeats through our communities. In solidarity with the Anti Terror Police Project, we recently gathered for a rally and vigil, creating an altar adorned with flowers as a tribute to Sonya. Holding a rose intended as an offering, I allowed myself to envision a world where Black women are safe, appreciated, cared for, and loved. This fleeting moment of peace only strengthened my determination to transform this vision into reality. We are not seeking excuses. We demand genuine, effective solutions. Our call is for justice, accountability, and the reimagining of a society where communities can thrive in true safety, unthreatened by those meant to protect them. To Sonya's family and to all touched by this and other acts of state violence, we offer our solidarity and love. Even as we grieve, we hold onto hope—a fierce belief that together we can create pathways to healing and construct the safe communities we all deserve. In this moment of reckoning, let us channel our collective pain into strategy, rage into action, and let our cries for change roar until they can no longer be ignored.

Black bodies are the most legislated and maligned bodies in Western society. Anti-racism work that doesn’t start with addressing anti-Black racism, is like shoveling snow with your hands. You can get the snow cleared up with your hands, but it will take a lot of time and effort whereas if you had the proper tools like shovel and salt, you’d be tearing through that snow. By addressing anti-Black racism specifically, you can utilize tools and strategies that will work towards the liberation of other forms of oppression. Some of the most important pieces of legislation that extended rights and protections to a wide array of communities are predicated on specific fight against anti-Black racism and are rooted in the reconstruction-era amendments. Be explicit with your anti-racism work folks; name the anti-Blackness rooted in the systems around you! And remember; this work benefits ALL people.