People of Color Too
The movement sweeping across the nation is born from hundreds of years of pain, gut wrenching, soul stirring, tear- and blood-filled indescribable pain. The murder of George Floyd is not the first and, in many respects, we fear it will not be the last. But it was a heartbreaking catalyst for much needed change and long overdue conversations. This past week Alaskans have marched and rallied all over the state in honor of black lives that have been lost at the hands of police brutality and racism.
The Alaska movement was kicked off on Saturday May 30th with the ICantBreathe Rally held in midtown in the REI parking lot. It featured various speakers from the black community in addition to BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) allies. It addressed a call to action to end police brutality, the murder of BIPOC nationally and in Alaska, and to address the high numbers of missing and murdered indigenous men and women. It encouraged to take action and advocate for our state, community, and people and reminded us that we are all we got and must stand up and speak out together. It started a statewide movement for equity, justice, and equality. As a black woman and mother, this renewed movement speaks life into my soul and gives me hope that we can work towards the Alaska we want and need. It is important that we remember there is still work to do and we must keep moving and keep this going. Be on the frontlines at all times, speak up at all times, fight for what is right and remember in order for all lives to matter the black ones have to matter too. |