Both reaching for our bags in the overhead he said: “I’m not usually this guy, but please keep doing what you do. We need to hear voices like yours. And I need to listen.” I could feel his heart. Grappling with the moment in his own skin. We spoke for a bit and then deplaned.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 6, 2018
ActivismRaceSex & Gender
now will they listen to black women?
Sigh
October 6th was a difficult day.
The lead up to Kavanaugh’s confirmation was a whirlwind of trauma relived, of disbelief and indignation (from both sides of the aisle), before eventually culminating in Republicans finally getting their guy. Honestly, the situation looks mighty grim.
For Black women, days like these are not new — and as much as there is proof of a shift away from us being the emotional mules of the world (thank goodness), the mere existence of Black women comforting ourselves and each other already felt like a cool balm for a weary soul.
Ava DuVernay shared the power of a human moment through tweets describing three affirming encounters following the confirmation announcement.
Last was a white woman with an accent from somewhere far away. Early 40s. She said I’m sorry to disturb you on a day like this. I said something I’ve never said to a stranger. I said: I want to cry. She looked back at me and said: “Me too.” Our eyes both welled up. And we did.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 6, 2018
Gabrielle Union let the anger OUT before wielding the “Black Woman Pivot”, turning that angry energy into action-minded rhetoric. And by action, we mean voting… of course.
I just wanna fight everybody. We gotta vote all the suckas out. All. Of. Them. Still wanna punch some folks in the face tho… like, in addition to voting
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 5, 2018
Zendaya was asking the important questions…
Have you registered to vote? If not, do that shit!
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) October 7, 2018
Democratic Senator from California Kamala Harris reminded us to keep fighting and that we should never forget who and what lead us here. Harris came prepared with facts in a bid to combat the Kavanaugh camp’s post-win rhetoric of still labeling Dr. Ford a liar even though the successful nomination did not, in fact, prove the Judge was not guilty.
The WH didn't permit the FBI to investigate the dishonest testimony of Kavanaugh. They didn't interview:
—Former FBI agent who administered the polygraph
—Dr. Ford’s husband & friends she told
—Kavanaugh’s Yale roommate
—Dr. Ford
—KavanaughThis wasn't a search for the truth.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 6, 2018
We can't stop fighting. Progress doesn't happen overnight. It can be painful. It can be slow. But now is the time to roll up our sleeves, knock on doors, and register people to vote. In one month we have the chance to vote and stand up for the country we love.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 6, 2018
If Black women weren’t reminding each other and allies to take a moment for ourselves, they were recycling any trace of fury and helpless energy into action; and, like activist Brittany Packnett, reminding the masses that the fight is far from over.
Harriet kept going.
Sojourner kept fighting.
Martin kept marching.
Malcolm kept praying.
Cesar kept pressing.
Dolores is still pushing.
Our ancestors and our elders have done far more with far less.
We have no excuse. The fight continues.
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) October 6, 2018
It’s the next day.
We’ve cried our tears.
Now it’s time to organize the rage.1. Google “voter suppression in 2018.” It’s real.
2. Follow @nvpactionfund
3. Donate $5 to protect the vote at https://t.co/aT9dKjcoMP
4. Share with 5 friends-and make sure they’re voting. https://t.co/DjukPVyLOm
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) October 7, 2018
Black women are magical, but, in the words of Jesse Williams, “That doesn’t mean we’re not real.” Our low standing on the socio-economic hierarchy means that liberating ourselves goes hand-in-hand with liberating other marginalized communities. We know the game better than anyone.
Listen to Black women.
Get angry. Get organized.
Go vote!
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