Coffee Corona and Corruption
Well Blogsties, today marks the first day of June in the year 2020 and this time we are meeting in the middle of a pandemic where the tables are empty, the cafés are quiet, and food is literally being served on the curb. I mean seriously who would have imagined this???? Not me. Everything has changed just like that. For instance, morning coffees are just not quite the same. Previously, it was a phenomenon which was once was accompanied with rushing out the house, to then be slowed down by traffic, and then to just make it to work on time. Come on yall be honest, yall know I am right. I see you LOL… but nowadays…let’s face it, I don’t even know the day. But here I am, at home, pretending to be your favorite barista and serving you the freshest pot of coffee that I could create as I invite you into my reflection of this most unthinkable season.
But before we dive too deep into this dish, I want to take the moment to say THANK YOU.
My sincerest thank you to every frontline worker helping to prevent the spread of COVID 19 whether you are scanning groceries, saving lives in hospitals, in uniform protecting citizens, or simply doing your part by staying home, I personally thank you. And to those who experienced physical, mental, or financial lost from this virus. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit continue to visit, comfort, and heal you during this most devastating time. My thoughts and prayers remain constant for you all.
In transition, I do not want to take from the seriousness of this current coronavirus pandemic but let me be 100% transparent with you all. When I first began to write this “dish” I was going to provide my reflection on how I have been surviving during the pandemic especially working on the front lines as a registered nurse, but that direction has since changed. Unfortunately, before I could finalize this post, I lost another black sister, Breonna Taylor and two black brothers, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd to the deadly virus of racist violence. I am both devastated and quite frankly disgusted at the current state of America. So, here is what my soul has to say and please do not expect the creative and crafty writing that is typical of my blog because what I have to say is plain and clear…
AMERICA STOP KILLING MY BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE.
STOP.
With tears in my eyes, I beg you STOP.
I no longer care about making my white counterparts uncomfortable. I DO NOT CARE. As a matter of fact, if you are reading this and fit the description of being white, I need you to be uncomfortable. I need you to be uncomfortable with the senseless murder of my black brothers and sisters. I need you NOT to be silent but to stand up in solidarity during this CRISIS. To many of my people have lost their lives for absolutely nothing. And I am sick and tired. Yes, sick and tired. WE ARE HUMAN. I know the history of America would like to prove different, but we must continue to fight for change. This country has thrived on corruption for far too long.
in the words of my forever First Lady Michelle Obama “When they go low, we go high”.
My brothers and sisters and allies there is NO MORE SITTING ON THE SIDELINES. This is a call to action!!! This is a call to get up and MOVE. To those who are afraid to stand up or to lose friends or so call respect, remember this: none of us have “made” it or will ever make it for that matter if we are constantly being slain at the hands of police brutality and white supremacy. I don’t care if your bank account has placed you in the wealthiest neighborhood in the country…the fact of the matter is your life as person of pigment is in grave danger.
My heart cannot truly take to see another fall to the viciousness of racism. The sad truth is that our country has not been progressing but rather masking. 2020 America has been no different than the inception of slavery in 1619 or the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s. America has remained dedicated to the oppression of black and brown people, because that is the system which has allowed America to remain on top. The facts are simply the facts, it may not reflect in the history books… but this is America.
However, as ugly as it is…I continue to believe that God is REVEALING in order to lead to HEALING.
Proverbs 31:8 states in New Living Translation to, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed”
This is from the mighty word of God! He is with us, He has been with us, and He has strengthened each and every one of us no matter that race to fight for those being crushed! My God. My God. When I read these words, it just brings me to tears to know that God is so intentional. So now is not the time to waiver in faith for we are equipped for such a time as this. So, I say now more than ever is the time to fall on your knees to pray…and to protest.
Pray and Protest. Pray and Protest. Pray and Protest. Pray and Protest. Pray and Protest.
How can you protest? While it is not my place to judge how one ultimately decides to protest what I will offer are four peaceful ways to do so.
1. Maintain healthy mental health practices.
I placed this as number one simply because this is the place, we tend to spend the least amount of time. This is a heavy time in our lives and we need to take time to acknowledge the grief, the pain, the betrayal, and the sorrow. We can do this through praying, meditation, and therapy to just name a few. Take off of work if you can. Be present with your thoughts. Affirm yourself. Tell yourself no matter what the world says we are kings and queens of worthiness. Protect your peace. Justify your joy.
2. Protest with your pennies.
Donate to organizations that are fighting against racism and oppression. Donate to entities that are bailing out protesters. But also STOP SUPPORTING CORPORATIONS AND COMPANIES WHO ENDORSE RACISM/WHITE SUPREMECY with your money. Yes, NFL included. Trust me I am an avid sports fan, but what I love most are my people so my money will no longer be put into the hands of those who don’t see that my black life has value, period. And most importantly SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES!!!
3. Show up and Raise your voice
With safety and caution I say flood the streets with your picket signs. Stand in front of police departments, the white house etc. Call the hotlines. Call your major offices. Sign the petitions, please just use your voice I assure that it does have volume.
4. VOTE
My goodness need I say more?! Seriously. We have a president that literally tweeted, “… when the looting starts the shooting starts” and reference protects as THUGs. This cowardly rhetoric is simply inexcusable and creates fuel to the fire, which we know was the intent. But in the words of my forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high”. How do we go high? Simple, vote. VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE and not just for the president but on every level from local legislation on up to Pennsylvania Avenue. PLEASE VOTE.
To conclude, I want to say that this is not at all a hate piece to all of white America but are the words of the crushed and brokenhearted. I am actually fortunate to have strong connections with Caucasian friends, co-workers, and past educators who may not be able to walk a mile or inch in a black person’s shoes, but they do walk in solidarity and for that again, I thank you. Thank you for standing up for injustice. Thank you for having the conversations in your homes about racism. Thank you for educating those with a blind eye to racism. Thank you for joining us in the fight to equality.
To my beautiful, black, strong, resilient, worthy, gifted, loving, intelligent, kindhearted, magical people of color I LOVE YOU. I CARE FOR YOU. I AM HERE FOR YOU.
To my ancestors, an immense thank you for instilling us with such a rich and amazing culture that will forever be both celebrated and protected.
To the white supremist and racist, know your time has simply come to an end.
But most importantly rest in power, peace, and prosperity to my brothers and sisters whose lives will never live in vain:
Our Ancestors
George Floyd
Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
Eric Garner
Michael Brown
Freddie Gray
Ezell Ford
Michelle Cusseaux
Tamir Rice
Tanisha Anderson
Natasha McKenna
Walter Scott
Bettie Jones
Philando Castile
Botham Jean
Atatiana Jefferson
Eric Reason
Dominique Clayton
Trayvon Martin
John Crawford III
Dante Parker
Laquan McDonald
George Mann
Akai Gurley
Rumain Brisbon
Jerame Reid
Matthew Ajibade
Frank Smart
Natasha Mckenna
Tony Robinson
Anthony Hill
Mya Hall
Philip White
Eric Harris
Walter Scott
William Chapman II
Alexia Christian
Brendon Glenn
Victor Manuel Larosa
Jonathan Sanders
Freddie Blue
Joseph Mann
Salvado Ellswood
Sandra Bland
Albert Joseph Davis
Darrius Stewart
Billy Ray Davus
Samuel Dubose
Michael Sabbie
Brian Keith Day
Christian Taylor
Troy Robinosn
Asshams Pharoah Manley
Felix Kumi
Keith Harrison Mcleod
Junior Prosper
Lamontez Jones
Paterson Brown
Dominic Hutchinson
Anthony Ashford
Alonzo Smith
Tyree Crawford
India Kager
La’Vante Biggs
Michael lee Marshall
Jamar Clark
Richard Perkins
Nathaniel Harris Pickett
Benni Lee Tignor
Miguel Espinal
Michael Noel
Kevin Matthews
BettieJones
Quintonio Legrier
Keith Childress Jr.
Janet Wilson
Randy Nelson
Antronie Scott
Wendell Celestine
David Joseph
Calin Roquemore
Dyzhawn Perkins
Christopher David
Marco Loud
Peter Gaines
Torrey Robinson
Darius Robinson
Kevin Hicks
Mary Truxillo
Demarcus Semer
Willie Tillman
Terrill Thomas
Sylville Smith
Alton Sterling
Terence Crutcher
Paul O’neal
Alteria Woods
Jordan Edwards
Aaron Bailey
Ronell Foster
Stephon Clark
Antwon Rose II
Pamela Turner
Christopher Whitfield
Christopher McCorvey
Michael Lorenzo Dean
And to all those unnamed and unknown, we remember you.
*List acquired from NPR article, “A Decade of Watching Black People Die” updated on May 29th 2020
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that there will be an end to the additions. I pray that this nation will work to deconstruct the corruption, and see every person for who they are, human and made in your image. Father God, please place an extra hedge of protection over the vulnerable populations in America, to include all minorities. Lord Jesus, strengthen us with your power to remain peaceful while provoked. God, let us remember your Word and that you are close to the brokenhearted. God, we pray for the hearts that are hardened and for those who chose to not value the life of black and brown people. We pray for a change of ways and accountability. We pray for the virus of violence, racism, and police brutality to be eradicated once and for all. God, we know that you see and that you are revealing to begin the healing. Father we close with a thank you for hearing us, for seeing, and for being with us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Yes, we are sick, we are tired, we are broken, but we will never give up.
Always served with love and today a heavy heart,
Adrianna ♥