The Power of Words in time of Civil Unrest
Today is Juneteenth. On this day, each year, we reflect on the hardships and injustices that have existed in the United States, but more importantly, we dream of a day when we can overcome those inequities and embrace our fellow humans of all races, national origins, sexes, and any other traits, We take time to understand the strife that has led us to where we are today, and we dream of new days on the horizon (this is the Juneteenth flag: red, white, and blue, with a new star of Freedom on the horizon_.
Words are powerful tools. In this video, I read a piece of poetry written by Nikki Giovanni in 1968. She is a wonderful poet and amazing wordsmith. In this piece, "For Saundra", she is asked by her neighbor to write a pretty poem about a tree. She has trouble writing because of the injustice she sees. That is the heart of this poem. Yet, she wrote it, and it lives on, reminding us all of the importance of using our words to express ourselves. It also has a legacy of allowing us, from all walks of life, to catch a glimpse of understanding of how she felt at the time. It connects us, teaches us some sense of empathy. Although I will never be able to truly understand all of the strife felt by black Americans, I can gain more understanding by reading their words, mulling them over, and trying to see things a little more from their perspective.
Until we all admit that there is a systematic problem that should be addressed, there will be no resolution. Due to horrific recent events, there has been more open conversation on such matters. These conversations offer a great opportunity to everyone to listen, to share, to try to understand, and ultimately to share love for all of us as part of humanity.
This country was built on many negative principles: hate, murder, war, oppression... But it was also built on pillars of hopes, dreams, and happiness. The more we understand each others' cultures, the more we can truly move toward the star on the horizon, the culture of American peace, unity, and love.
One way of doing this is through reading and writing. We read about others' experiences and feelings. We write about our own. Sometimes this can bring about pain, regret, worry, or shame. But many times, it brings about a more harmonious outcome. We can move forward together and continue making our City, county, state, country, and world a little better. Listen to one another with love and with as much empathy as we can have, share with one another with openness and honesty, and live harmoniously.
Words are powerful tools. In this video, I read a piece of poetry written by Nikki Giovanni in 1968. She is a wonderful poet and amazing wordsmith. In this piece, "For Saundra", she is asked by her neighbor to write a pretty poem about a tree. She has trouble writing because of the injustice she sees. That is the heart of this poem. Yet, she wrote it, and it lives on, reminding us all of the importance of using our words to express ourselves. It also has a legacy of allowing us, from all walks of life, to catch a glimpse of understanding of how she felt at the time. It connects us, teaches us some sense of empathy. Although I will never be able to truly understand all of the strife felt by black Americans, I can gain more understanding by reading their words, mulling them over, and trying to see things a little more from their perspective.
Until we all admit that there is a systematic problem that should be addressed, there will be no resolution. Due to horrific recent events, there has been more open conversation on such matters. These conversations offer a great opportunity to everyone to listen, to share, to try to understand, and ultimately to share love for all of us as part of humanity.
This country was built on many negative principles: hate, murder, war, oppression... But it was also built on pillars of hopes, dreams, and happiness. The more we understand each others' cultures, the more we can truly move toward the star on the horizon, the culture of American peace, unity, and love.
One way of doing this is through reading and writing. We read about others' experiences and feelings. We write about our own. Sometimes this can bring about pain, regret, worry, or shame. But many times, it brings about a more harmonious outcome. We can move forward together and continue making our City, county, state, country, and world a little better. Listen to one another with love and with as much empathy as we can have, share with one another with openness and honesty, and live harmoniously.
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