Project 2025

Danielle Rogers

Black folks and allies:
Do not be surprised when the documents about MLK are released and there is “outrage” and a bill to get rid of his Federal holiday as is the plan to dismantle the Civil Rights movement.
This is based on a long standing desire to end any positive associations by White America to have towards black people and end the Civil Rights act.
Stand strong and do not be disillusioned.
Do tell your friends, and children what is happening and that we need to be prepared to act before they do and keep his legacy and holiday alive.
The allegations of sexual abuse will persuade conservatives to insist monuments and the holiday be scrapped.
However with all of the allegations of similar alleged behavior of conservative politicians, the behaviors should be equally examined and if Dr Kings monuments should be taken down and his holiday what about other historical monuments of people with similar claims.
I am not saying or advocating to excuse alleged instances of various types of assault against women and condemn it, but we know why they are doing this. What are we going to do as a collective?
The allegations I predict will be shocking.

Forward

Forward

I sit with kids and adults in despair because the future terrifies them.

All I can say are platitudes- that we must pay attention and do what we can to move forward- that everything will be all right.

But will it?

And what is forward?

What is all right?

Is it advancement?

Is it simply moving into the minute beyond this one moment?

Is it moving beyond the political reality of this one?

Is it beyond the injustice, the war, the hate, the intolerance of this one?

Is it fear for my life because I am different?

Is it hiding my face for fear of being shot?

Is it moving into the basements and the attics because those are the “safe” places?

Is it cutting out my tongue, silencing my voice, 

Lobotomizing my brain just to stay alive?

Is it handicapping life?

Is it?

Forward seems to be the promise of freedom.

That nebulous thing that we’ve all been programmed to worship.

For everybody- even those we hate- and who hate us.

Freedom is the belief in hope- that there is more than hate and despair.

Freedom believes in the song of each soul.

And that it is not unheard.

And seriously, no soul wants to be imprisoned.

Freedom needs the brave,

Has needed the brave.

The gun can’t kill me,

The beating can’t diminish my message.

I am created in the image and likeness of God- and I will not be disregarded.

But is it?

Is that freedom?

Is there existence without anxiety?

Seriously.

And I sigh.

I wish this was more poetic, but poetry won’t save lives the way I want it to.

And neither will tears.

Only standing up- boots on the ground, songs on our lips, conviction in our hearts and an angry ,sad, powerful community that sustains us.

It might just save us.

And that “might” is the only thing we long for.

Jesus