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Tomorrow I’m returning to my author conversation series and I’m absolutely giddy to be talking with one of my favorite authors. @oureric and I are talking about the weird world of writing on the internet, finding the balance between writing about humor and pop culture and also writing about social justice issues, and of course . . . our mutual love of the theater. This episode was recorded a few weeks ago, and as we discussed how we’ve tried to engage people on issues of racial justice, little did we know it would soon be a national conversation.
I am going to be resuming this series (I have several already recorded and in the queue) but I am also going to be continuing the Pass the Mic series to highlight different black voices and perspectives. If you are interested in being part of that conversation, shoot me a message.
Protest art by my 11-year-old. I found these in her room this morning. She’s absorbing and internalizing so much right now. Praying their generation is watching and listening and ready to make change.
This was my kids’ third protest this week. Today’s was planned entirely by high school students. It’s so encouraging to see so many young people in our community becoming passionate about racial justice, listening to black speakers, and learning about systemic racism and what allyship looks like.
This protest in Newport Mesa was planned and organized by local high school students and would be a good one for older kids. Tag your local friends! Sat 6/6 2pm starting at Newport Harbor High School and walking up to back bay. Swipe left for details. Organized by @marcuswbrooks.
Local peaceful protests this weekend. Via @blacklivesmatterorangecounty on Instagram.
Costa Mesa showed up today. It was powerful to see so many bodies and so many local students, and to hear from black voices in our community. Tomorrow’s protest is at 4pm (details on the last slide). Thank you @costamesapd and @newportbeachpd for yesterday and today’s noninvasive and protective presence as we marched. I recognize this is a privilege not afforded to all too many protestors right now. #blacklivesmatteroc
Costa Mesa: another protest tonight at 5pm at Back Bay.
Posting links in my stories. Please, white friends. Don’t just go silent. Use your platforms to amplify black voices and resources today.
This is my sweet nephew Derek. He’s a black father of 3, and a cop. These are my sister’s words: “This is my black son. He’s had his fair share of being pulled over for DWB, he’s been unjustly harassed or searched, he’s been frustrated by how he’s been handled by law enforcement on traffic stops, and he’s seen family and friends encounter the same. He understands the raw fear people of color have when encountering law enforcement. He understands there may be a need to warn his own sons about how some may may view or treat them someday. He wants justice, always has… and this is how he chose to go about helping get justice and serve his community, despite of any mistreatments he’s seen or encountered. So now he sits, as I type this, on the frontlines in riot gear, trying to do his job and protect his city and businesses all while encountering a new fear. A fear that those looking for justice but acting in anger could cause him harm in the processes.
So I ask you to pray, not just for him, but for all involved. Pray for action, pray for understanding, pray for compassion, pray for voices to be heard, pray for peace, and most of all pray for change.
So that men like my son don’t have to fear for their life while at work, and then also have to fear for their life while driving home from work.” – @brownjk20
Here are some of the black voices that have shaped my understanding of race and racism. If you’d like to follow on twitter, check my stories and swipe up where they are all linked for easy following.
Slide 1/3: @ava @andrehenry @staceyabrams @Freeyourmindkid @iammickyjones @jemelehill @GeeDee215 @drchanequa @ProfessorCrunk @Trevornoah @dodaistewart @KimberlyNFoster (2/3): @CharlesMBlow @JoyAnnReid @jbouie @Sifill_LDF @austinchanning @marclamonthill @nhannahjones
@jelani9 @IjeomaOluo @DrIbram @soledadobrien @MHarrisPerry (3/3): @jamilsmith @lisasharper @RevDrBarber @AkilahObviously @Yamiche @michaelharriot
@BreeNewsome @WesleyLowery @prophiphop @LatashaMorrison @esglaude @Luvvie
