America is in the fight of its life. We are currently in election season across the nation. In some states, primary elections have recently concluded and ugliness continues to raise its head. There is a battle between right and wrong, Black and white, democrat and republican, and the division has even caused strife between family members. If we truly want victory for everyone, we must have an understanding and respect for all life. This country was based and built on a set of beliefs such as all people are created equal, and that we all have fundamental rights, such as liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, and freedom of assembly. We know for many these beliefs have only been words, but they still ring hope in our hearts.
Our country just celebrated the 4th of July, commemorating our 246th Independence Day, and yet, GOP Congresswoman, Mary Miller from the state of Illinois recently stated in one of her speeches that the Roe decision was a victory for white people. When she was called on the carpet about it, she stated that she mixed up her words and that what she really meant to say is, “victory for Right to Life.” What I find interesting is she also made a comment after she won her election that, “…Hitler was right on one thing. He said, whoever has the youth has the future.” Let us make one thing clear, Hitler was wrong on all accounts. Miller has the nerve to say that she is not racist. If her expressions are not racist, then what are they?
America will never be white again. America has never been white. This country was built on the backs of slaves and people of color since its inception. If we want to be real, it started brown by our Native American brothers and sisters that were here on this land before anyone so-called landed on Plymouth Rock. As so eloquently stated by Malcolm X, Plymouth Rock landed on us. America is a melting pot and most families have ancestors from various backgrounds across the globe. Even in my own family the ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds are as varied as the colors of the rainbow, and I love every one of my family members.
The reality is that we will always have people in this world that are filled with hatred, prejudice, racism, superiority complexes, and more, but I am not only a believer, but I have experienced it in my own life that love will conquer hate, the light will drown out darkness, persistence towards what is right will eventually win. It is difficult while we are going through the battle, but we must always remember the fight is worth fighting for and we can never give up. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” It is imperative that we keep our eyes on the prize and stay focused, if not for ourselves, at least for our legacy and future generations.
Dr. Maya Angelou said, “when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” People do not repeatedly say certain things out their mouths that are racist comments unless they mean it (or at least a portion of it). My grandmother would always say, “what is truly in your heart will eventually come out of your mouth.” What is in your heart? #whiteprivilege #systemicracism #healing #america
Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.