Dearest Mighty Metro Atlanta Community,
So many of my communications to you all over the past few months have been regarding the two pandemics: COVID-19 and Racism and the manner in which these pandemics have ripped through so many of our communities leaving a clearer path of understanding of the sheer inequities that exist across our country which have significant impacts on our beloved families, colleagues, students, and respective communities. Upon hearing the decision from the police hearings last Thursday, I had a number of reactions: pain, angst, rage, frustration, and the belief that this is not acceptable. My life matters. Breonna’s life matters. Your life matters. Our students’ lives matter and must be protected and valued. I honestly had a nightmare last week about someone breaking into my home and losing my life. These instances are not separate moments in time, they are leaving imprints on our mental and emotional psyches and these moments are further reminders that our fight for equity is long from over, and in fact, we may be just starting. I’m here for it. Ready and willing.
Admittedly, while my hope was indeed low last week, I was also wrapping up my reading of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to Be An Antiracist,” and the last sentence of the last paragraph was a much-needed push for me:
“What gives me hope is a simple truism. Once we lose hope, we are guaranteed to lose. But if we ignore the odds and fight to create an antiracist world, then we give humanity a chance to one day survive, a chance to live in communion, a chance to be free.”
I recognize that for many of us and the communities we are privileged to work alongside, we are living manifestations of the hope and dreams of our ancestors. Personally, I know if it were not for the unrelenting belief of my ancestors, black people in this country would still be in chains. I am the hope of my ancestors and I refuse to allow their dream of me and my people to be dimmed. I survive and will thrive for them.
In grief, solidarity, and hope,
Khadijah