Its been exactly one week since I made the decision to walk in solidarity for the BLM movement at the March for Change protests on Friday, June 5th 2020. My mind has been riddled with so many emotions. So many thoughts. It has honestly taken a week, just to sort through it all.
Firstly, I wanted to publicly congratulate the organizers - jubediyah and his team for the way in which the protest was run and executed.
As an event professional, there were so many aspects of this march that made me proud to be living in the 4th greatest city in N. America. Some of the highlights for me were:
The kindness of the businesses that lined up Yonge Street. Owners were handing out water and food. Chanting #blacklivesmatter and clapping as we came down to city hall.
Not ONE riot. NO one arrested (save for the ignorant bigot, Deivis Shtembari. Just google it, chile') for looting. No cops throwing tear gas at innocent people in the streets. It was the way a peaceful protest SHOULD be and although my feet almost failed me (22K steps later), I left this event, genuinely encouraged. Empowered. I felt rejuvenated and proud to be a participant. I lived in the afterglow for many days.
The representation and unity that was shown as literally every ethnic group you could find in a city as multicultural as our's; came together to form ally ship and stand hand in hand with the black community. Indigenous, White, Hispanic, South East Asian, Arab, Pacific Islander....all ethnicities, demonstrating community, collaboration and respectful conduct.
As I shared my thoughts with my cousin, he asked a very important question "alright cuz, we've marched; now where do we go from here?"
Successful protesting should (in my opinion) be a catalyst to bring about change. We've seen in this week's recent events, just how effective exposure can be. When I did finally have some space to think about where do I personally go from here, I thought of three words:
ASSOCIATION
ACTION
ALIGNMENT
Meaning - look at the leadership in the companies and brands that you work for and the companies you associate with. If diversity is not reflected in their organizations, yet they claim to have a "commitment to diversity and inclusion", CALL THEM OUT. Bring forth change.
Be ABOUT it. Talk the talk but also walk the walk. Don't be afraid to stand UP for yourself. Take real steps that can be taken to implement change. I decided to quit a job where I was bullied, not valued and I faced microaggressions and fear mongering daily. Removing myself from that toxic environment and atrocious examples "leadership" was the best decision I ever made. The moment I took action was the moment I began to step into my purpose.
Align yourself with people who can help to connect you with effective resources, education and training if needed. DO THE WORK. Also, support black owned businesses. Don't ask for a discount. Put your MONEY where your mouth is.
As we all continue to grow and share and learn in this time, let us continue to fight for justice, peace and equality.
M
@the.morganproject
I love this post. Your cousin asked a great question.
"Alright cuz, we've marched; now where do we go from here?"
Legislation? Maybe.
Getting legislation would be great. However, I believe we should look at this critically. Most people are ignorant when it comes to the topic of race and until we understand that we can't actually have "race relations" without actual discourse, there will always be a circumambulation around the topic of race relations. Also, if you hate someone for the colour of their skin I personally don't believe a president or a prime minister who holds a position for a meer 4 years is the root cause of this problem. The opposite of HATE is LOVE and you…