Recently, I began a Grateful campaign where I begin my every social media post by first stating what I’m grateful for. It’s my intention to fully embody that which my moniker so boldly claims. Until…

Recent events in Charlottesville, VA stopped me completely in my tracks. White nationalists gathered to protest the pending removal of the statute of Robert E. Lee?? Their candle light vigil and march excites chaos, physical injuries and even death to a young woman and counter-protestor of their stance?? What in the Hell is going on?? The promise of Trump to “Make America Great Again”, and what that really means for some, is finally beginning to materialize. The hatred and bigotry seen live from a college town in Virginia was front and center on every news and social media outlet in the country.

Images of Nazi and confederate flags completely taking over social media. White men carrying torches with ugly expressions plastered on their faces, spewing mean expressions of hate. I wanted to look away so very badly. But, I couldn’t. Nor, could I easily find anything grateful to recite when sharing on Facebook or Twitter. What good or gratitude can come from all of this? I cannot see or fathom it.

Thinking hard on Charlottesville, I am GRATEFUL: For the legacies of those who have fought the good fight in years past. Those persons like, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Angela Davis, Malcom X and other great leaders and writers whose sit- ins, speeches, protests and marches decades ago, standing against hate and for my civil rights, were NOT done in vain. I must adhere to that notion. The messages, the actions of those great leaders are so very pertinent right now and we must hold onto AND continue their fight. We have NOT overcome.

So, with Charlottesville, we may feel angry or helpless in the face of hate. Some may even feel unbothered and unaffected; blinded by their privilege. Yet, we must ALL take a stand. To do nothing is simply, unacceptable and irresponsible. Let me restate- to do nothing is both, unacceptable and irresponsible.

Here’s a five point list of things we can do to take a stand.

• LEND YOUR UNDERSTANDING:  Let your neighbors, friends and co- workers know that you stand with them and stand against the despicable actions and thoughts of those in Charlottesville. Make new friends! Get outside of your comfort zone. Join or create a Diversity Action Group. (I just made up that name, but it works for me!) A diverse group of people to sit down with, to learn and understand those who may be different from you. Hear what they have to say in situations such as Charlottesville.
• GIVE YOUR MONEY:  Make a donation to a civil rights organization. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are two organizations doing the wrk to protect folks’ civil rights.
• SEND YOUR SENTIMENTS:  Write your Congressman and/ or Senator and remind them that they work for you and to stand up for the rights of ALL peoples of their districts, no matter their race, religion and sexual orientation. Inform them that we will NOT stand for events, such as Charlottesville that occur under their administration.
• CONTINUE TO STAND:  After the events of Charlottesville have died down, continue to take a stand against local, state and national events and legislation which tends to curtail the rights of ANY person. Join a local grassroots organization in your community working towards something good- equal access to quality healthcare and education, the civil rights of immigrants and basic human rights for all individuals, including those who look and love differently than you. Work on behalf of yourselves, for your neighbors and friends and for those who are in need.
• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: The effects of overt racism and bigotry can be mentally and emotionally draining. Take a break from the news media, from social media and give your mind and body rest and time to heal.

And finally, a few timely quotes from those thoughtful leaders…

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniece, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“But at the same time you can’t assume that making a difference 20 years ago is going to allow you to sort of live on the laurels of those victories for the rest of your life”. ~ Angela Davis

“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” ~ James Baldwin

And finally, here’s a golden rule to live by…

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Salute.

~Grateful Badass

Grateful Living, Badass Style!

Please share your thoughts on Charlottesville? What will you do to combat hate? Do you feel compelled to do anything?

Please share your thoughts. Comment below, on Faceboook, Instagram or Twitter @GratefulBadass. And please subscribe, like and share this post and site. Many thanks. ~GB

** Featured photo- taken by me at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.