A Collective Deep Breath

"What in the world?" have been my exact thoughts as I process all that has transpired since the start of this year.

Right when I was finally adjusting to the "new normal" precipitated by the global health pandemic of COVID-19, the world catches wind (through the help of social media) of three instances of racism and/or police brutality unjustly ending the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.

In the most recent and horrifying incident, "I can't breathe" was heard from George Floyd as Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee of Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, while three of his colleagues did nothing to intervene. Mr. Floyd died as a result (mindblowing).

The nation erupted in anger as we watched in horror the brutal lynching of George Floyd. Since then, protests have taken to the streets all over the country and worldwide in solidarity that #blacklivesmatter. Sadly, systemic racism and bigotry is a global pandemic that has its direct roots in colonialism and white supremacy.

While we have come a long way from legally buying and selling people, the fallout from this practice and systems establish to uphold it still deeply impact black communities and countries around the world. This is partly why I have dedicated my life to improve the lives of people in disenfranchised communities in the Caribbean and Sub-subharan Africa.

DEEP BREATH…

I shared this on Facebook as I began to process what has transpired since the start of the year:

2020 is a reminder that we all depend on the very breath given to us by God. It indicates our equality and collective humanity. We all live by it and die without.

- “I Can’t Breathe” an indication and representation of the countless black lives chocked out by systematic racism and police brutality.

- “It’s Hard to Breathe” primary symptom and worst-case scenario for those now battling coronavirus.

To the families gasping in grief (due to one of the two), I am sorry for your loss. I pray for your continued strength, though it be hard, to keep breathing...

We (red, yellow, black and white) have a role to play to contend for a better future. So let's take a collective deep breath- have the tough conversations, acknowledge and embrace diversity, vote, volunteer in your local community, and support organizations dedicated to rooting out human injustice in every form.