The current state of the world has proven extremely difficult and in too many cases lethal for our Latinx and Black communities. The impact of COVID-19 on Black and Brown people has been disproportionate and has continued to add to our personal and collective burden.
If that weren’t enough, we are also still grappling with deeply rooted systemic racism and discrimination present in every corner of our society. It showed up yet again in the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last week. We have yet to catch our breath from the killing of Ahmaud Arbery on Feb. 23rd and Sean Reed the week before, live streamed for the world to see.
Some of us are outraged and angry and many more of us are exhausted and discouraged, but standing in solidarity is the only way to push forward and hopefully see change. Today, more than ever, we need to stand together as a collective, as a community, and as a familia. TU LUCHA ES MI LUCHA. #blacklivesmatter
Finally, my hope is that this series of questions can help spark necessary conversations yet to be had and serve as a resource for folks too exhausted to walk non POC’s & non-Black POC’s (yeah, I’m also talking about the Latinx community) through their journey of self reflection and growth. There are also multiple resources and avenues for action at the end of the list of questions.
First thing is first. Let’s take some time to look inward and understand that reflection IS action. Too many times we jump straight to: What can I do? While that’s a great question (and we’ll get there) let’s start to take a deeper look at ourselves an our emotions surrounding these topics.
Have you heard the names: Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Christian Cooper and their stories in the last few weeks? If you haven't, please Google their names and learn their stories. *trigger warning* Do their lives matter? Do black lives matter? Can “all lives” matter if Black lives are not included?
If you have heard or read about them, how are you feeling about these current events? Are you exhausted, angry, numb, overwhelmed, indifferent...? Why might you be feeling this way? What else is contributing to these emotions?
Have you been opening up about your feelings with others? With who? In what social/professional circles do these conversations happen? Who is present and who is not present in these circles? Sometimes, noticing who isn’t included in the conversations can be a symptom of the disease.
How have you been taking care of yourself? Have you been able to address your well-being on all levels mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually? Have you taken time-off lately? (I understand the privilege at play for those of us who CAN take time off right now). Regardless, remember to take your health seriously. See @latinxtherapy
Have you or anyone around you started a conversation about this at work or acknowledged it at all? If so, in what forums? If not, why do you think that is?
Is your team a safe space to have these types of conversations? Have you fostered that safety or community lately? How have you explicitly and implicitly made it so?
Has the conversation made it home? With your partner, children, or extended family? Why or why not? For non-Black POCs especially, how have you addressed any problematic conversations or comments surrounding the incidents while at home?
How have you been speaking about these events? How have you framed the conversation? What tools have you used to facilitate these conversations?
Have you been avoiding the conversation all together? Why do you think that is? What may be at play here?
Have you mostly remained unaffected mentally/spiritually/physically or otherwise? Why is that? What degree of privilege is at play here? How can you use that privilege for good?
Have you considered why murders/lynchings continue to happen in 2020? How have you played a part in the systemic problem? How have you been a part of the progress? What else might still need to be done?
Are you interested in locking arms with your Black Brothers and Sisters and putting your allyship to work?
Consider browsing this amazing collection of Anti-Racism Resources as your journey inwards continues.
Lastly, if you believe Black Lives Matter, here is an extensive list of ways to TAKE ACTION without having to be out on the streets. No more excuses.
This list of questions and resources won’t do any good staying only on your screen, in your phone. Please be sure to share the blog post and let people know that ACTION takes many shapes.
In Solidarity,
Ruben
CEO, Fúchila Fresheners
Cover image: @rodrioscr
Site cover page photo credits:
@alexknowbody @desmadredotcom @sammymartinberg