A Different Kind of Independence
What does independence really mean?
Not the kind marked by fireworks, flags, or parades, but the kind that shows up in your spirit. The kind that deepens with age. The kind you claim for yourself.
I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom lately. Not freedom from countries or colonizers, but freedom from expectations, obligations, and the noise of what others think we should be doing, especially as we enter our 50s, 60s, and beyond.
To me, this stage of life is its own kind of independence celebration.
A celebration of the fact that we’re still here.
That we’re still becoming.
And that we get to decide how we want to live from here on out.
Claiming Personal Freedom as We Age
When I think of independence now, I think of the freedom to choose. To choose how we spend our time, who we let into our lives, and what brings us peace.
It’s the freedom to say “yes” to the things that we want to say yes to, and “no” to what we don’t want.
It’s the quiet joy of waking up and knowing: I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
That’s not selfish. That’s wisdom.
The Right to Be Fully Yourself
Aging comes with its challenges, that’s for sure. But it also comes with a surprising kind of power.
We’re no longer trying to fit someone else’s mold.
We’ve done the work. We’ve raised families, navigated careers, moved cities, loved, lost, built, rebuilt.
And now? Now we get to decide what this chapter looks like.
Even if society doesn’t always see us, especially as older women, we don’t need permission to value ourselves. We don’t need a holiday to remind us that we are strong, vibrant, wise, and worthy of being seen.
Living with Less Stress and More Intention
This kind of independence isn’t loud. It’s not always a grand gesture.
Sometimes, it looks like:
- Moving to Ghana (or Mexico, or Wherever).
- Saying goodbye to stress-filled schedules.
- Waking up without an alarm.
- Choosing peace over drama.
- Saying, “No thank you,” and meaning it.
- Doing absolutely nothing—and feeling no guilt about it.
This is the freedom that matters now.
The kind that gives you room to breathe.
Room to explore.
Room to just be.
A Bold Sage’s Kind of Celebration
Whether or not it’s July 4th, I believe we deserve to celebrate. Because being here and still growing, and still living boldly is a reason enough.
So yes, this reflection may have been inspired by Independence Day, but it’s really about everyday independence.
The kind we create for ourselves.
The kind we nurture.
The kind we reclaim again and again.
That’s what being a Bold Sage is all about. Living fully. Freely. Intentionally. With grace. On your own terms.
So Let Me Ask You…
What does independence mean for you right now?
What are you doing, just for you, that feels like freedom?
I’d love to hear what this season of life means to you.
And if you’re on this journey too, I invite you to stay connected, through my blog, through Bold Sage Magazine (coming soon!), or wherever our paths cross.
Because life is still unfolding. And we’re not done yet.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like these others: Why I am Choosing to Travel Deeper, Write Boldly & Live Fully and The Messages are Loud and Clear (Part 1)
The Messages Are Loud and Clear (Part 1: Falling)
You know, sometimes life sends you messages. Or maybe it’s your body. Or your brain. Or God. Or something deep in the earth that says: “Hey… watch yourself.”
At 69, I’ve learned to listen. I have to listen.
Because the consequences of ignoring the signs are bigger now. They hit harder. They take longer to heal. And sometimes, they knock you flat. Literally.
I’ve Been Falling for Decades
I mean physically. I’ve fallen more times in my life than I care to count. Yet somehow, I’m always surprised when it happens.
This last time, a few days ago, was different. It made me stop and say, “Okay, young lady. This is a message. And it is loud and clear.”
A Walk, a Fall, and a Wake-Up Call
I was out walking the dogs, minding my business like I do every day. There’s a stretch of sidewalk I’ve walked a hundred times. But on this particular day, I missed the uplifted pavement. I didn’t see it in time.
I tripped. And when I say I went down, I went down. The kind of fall that feels like slow motion and instant impact all at once. The dogs scattered. Poop bags flew. Leashes slipped from my hands. One dog jumped back; the other looked at me like, “What just happened?”
I landed hard. My wrists took the brunt, my knees got scraped up. I did manage to protect my head—thank goodness, because I was wearing glasses, and if I’d hit my head, that could have been the end of me.
And that’s the message right there: If I fall and hit my head when I’m alone, there may not be anyone there to help.
Awareness Comes With Age
I’m not saying this to scare myself or anyone else. I’m sharing it because it’s true. That’s what this stage of life is teaching me. It’s not just about being cautious; it’s about being aware. Fully present. Smart about how I move in the world.
The Risk Feels More Real When I am Abroad
I live part-time in Ghana, in a lovely apartment with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The space is airy, the neighbors are lovely, and the neighborhood is calm—exactly my vibe. But the property has one thing that makes me pause: stairs.
Outdoor stairs. The kind that turn slick in the rain. And in Ghana, when it rains, it doesn’t drizzle—it pours like the sky cracked open. The stairs become slippery, and risky. Every time I go up or down, I feel a flicker of unease. That inner voice whispers again: “You know if you fall here, it might not go well.”
That whisper is getting louder, and I’m learning to listen.
Every Fall Has Taught Me Something
There have been plenty of falls. I remember slipping in the kitchen once and slamming my head on the floor tiles, not once but twice. That fall gave me a concussion, a swollen, traumatized black eye, a little memory loss, and days of dizziness. It shook me deeply.
Then there was the time at Kakum National Park in Ghana. The canopy walk? No problem. But on the way down, I fell, twisted my ankle badly, and had to limp out before sunset. I love adventure, but I have no interest in getting stuck in a rainforest after dark.
Or the time I fell in the bathtub as a child. That was after already falling off a table and hitting the back of my head so hard that it bled and never grew hair in that spot again. Like I said, falling and I go way back.
The Lesson Behind the Message
Now, though, it all feels more urgent. The stakes are higher. Now that I am older, the recovery time is longer. Maybe that’s part of the message. It’s not just, “Be careful.” It’s “Be present. Be intentional. Pay attention. Take your time. You don’t bounce back like you used to.”
And you know what? I’m okay with that.
I Don’t Need to Prove Anything
These days, I don’t need to be the fastest, the strongest, or the most agile. I just need to be mindful. I need to stay aware. And I need to be grateful that, for now, I can still get up when I fall.
That’s Part One of the message. There’s more to come.
Stay tuned for Part Two: Sickness.
Why I’m Choosing to Travel Deeper, Write Boldly & Live Fully
From Many Hats to a Clearer Path
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—writer, traveler, cultural explorer, and once-upon-a-time curator of women’s travel experiences. Each chapter has shaped me, stretched me, and added depth to how I move through the world.
But recently, I’ve felt a shift. A quiet (but persistent) nudge to simplify. To pause. To return to the heart of what I love most: telling meaningful stories, exploring new places with curiosity, and encouraging others, especially women over 50, to write their own next chapters.
Letting Go of More to Embrace What Matters
So, I’m stepping into a new season.
I won’t be actively organizing group tours or curated travel experiences anymore.
Instead, I’m giving myself permission to do less, but more intentionally.
I’m leaning into what brings me joy:
- Traveling not just to see the world, but to truly connect with it
- Writing not just to teach, but to reflect and inspire
- Living with purpose, curiosity, and courage
What You Can Expect Going Forward
From here on out, I’m focusing on storytelling—spotlighting cultures, people, and places through a personal and thoughtful lens.
You can also expect more content that supports:
- Writing, journaling, and creative expression
- Slower, more intentional travel
- Personal reflections from the road and from the page
Still Sharing What I Love
I’ll continue sharing Mary’s Picks—books, travel gear, and inspiring finds I personally use and love. Some of these will include affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, you help support my work (at no extra cost to you). It’s a small but meaningful way to keep this space growing.
If You’re Still Reading, You Belong Here
Whether you’re a traveler at heart, a woman rediscovering her voice, or simply someone looking to live more fully in the now—I’m so glad you’re here.
We’re in this together.
Here’s to new beginnings.
Let’s travel deeper.
Write boldly.
Live fully.
Act of Kindness: One Evening in Kumasi, Ghana
Everyday act of kindness. This time it was one evening in Kumasi, Ghana.
It had been a long day on the road, touring with clients visiting Ghana. We had dropped our visitors off at their 5-star hotel for the night, and then the tour management crew – tour manager, tour driver, and I, – exhausted, went in search of some good food for the night.
Haze from the smoke emanating from roadside chop bars, as local eateries or food joints are often described, filtered through the air, casting a pale golden glow over everything. Taxis and cars with horns blaring, bicycles weaving in and out between them, pedestrians greeting each other, street sellers still plying their wares, a couple of dogs and chickens taking their time sniffing and pecking as they meandered around. Just a typical after-sunset scene in tropical West Africa as people of all ages made their way through crowded streets on their way home, or elsewhere after the day’s work.
This is authentic West Africa at night in the city. This is Kumasi. Ghana.
We were searching for something nutritious and filling to eat before we made our way back to our hotel to crash for the night. I wanted to eat rice and stew, savory, but not too peppery. Ishmael, the tour manager, knew where we could find some. The driver parked the van and we proceeded on foot.
I took in the ambiance as I followed Ishmael. I really do enjoy being back home in West Africa. I like the humid heat with the gentle breezes, the cacophony of sounds, the smell of food cooking on an open fire, and so much more.
We mingled with the moving stream of people talking loudly, and laughing, and I couldn’t help but smile at the playful banter and snatches of conversations and even the occasional, very short-lived arguments I heard as we made our way through the streets.
Before too long, we arrived at the little chop bar which resembled one of those smaller food trucks you often see on some streets in New York City. I figured the food was good because there were people in line waiting to order. We joined the queue.
While waiting for our turn to order, I noticed an older man quietly waiting, not in line, but leaning against a wall. Shirtless, he wore only tattered khaki trousers and held a book between his hands.
A little act of kindness observed
Once the woman had finished serving up the customers who had been in line in front of us, and before she took our order, she reached over for a large plastic bag, something like a large Ziploc bag, and spooned some food into it – some of everything. Then she handed the bag of food to the elderly man who accepted it with what looked like a slight bow of the head in gratitude or thanks. Mind you, not a word was spoken between the two.
We ordered our takeaway food. It came to about 14 cedis (about $1.00) for the two of us. She gave me a good helping portion and mentioned that shito (a flavorful, spicy condiment) would go well with my rice, stew, and beans. Should she add some? “Yes please,” I answered.
I handed her 20 cedis and she gave me back 6 cedis change. As we started to walk away, I felt compelled to ask her if the gentleman she gave the food to paid for it. She said, no, please.” You gave him the food for free?” “Yes, please,” she told me. Ghanaians often add the word, please, to these types of questions—something I find somewhat endearing. I returned my change and asked her to please put it toward the next meal for the old man. I was rewarded with one of those smiles you get from the Ghanaian people. Spontaneous and real. Smiles that transform, inspire, and light up the spirit.
Kindness: Powerful and touching
The kindness of people is so powerful and so touching. Maybe the man is homeless, cashless, or maybe he has some big problems. Does it really matter?
Ishmael told me later that the old man has lived in the area for years and the book he clasps between his fingers is a tattered, old Bible. So, there may be some mental health challenges there. But just look at how people care for each other. He won’t starve. He won’t remain unseen. People will look out for him. He will be given good, nutritious food to eat, and clean water to drink. And he’ll continue to wander around in his world of reality and he will be okay.
These are the little acts of kindness that come so naturally to many. The little kindness that costs nothing. The kindness may seem to be a very small deal but is actually a huge deal. It is kindness that means everything to many, or the few, or the one, and it is kindness that makes all the difference.
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How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed When You Write: Little by Little
Writing can feel overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? The deadlines, the ideas swirling around, the pressure to get it all done—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling this way, take a moment to breathe and look to nature for some wisdom.
There’s an African proverb that says, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Think about that. Birds don’t try to build their nests all at once. They don’t gather everything they need in one trip. They work steadily, piece by piece, until their home is ready. What if we approached our writing (and life!) the same way?
Why Writers Feel Overwhelmed
At the start of a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of resolutions and goals. You know the drill: “This is the year I’m going to write that book, launch that blog, finish that project…” Then you pile on even more—things you didn’t get to last year, new ideas you’ve dreamed up, and maybe a few ambitious “stretch goals” for good measure.
And then? It feels like too much. You get stuck, procrastinate, or burn out before you even really start. Sound familiar?
Little by Little: A Sanity-Saving Strategy
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Instead, break your writing into smaller, manageable chunks. Be like that little bird building its nest.
Start small. Write one paragraph, one scene, or one blog post. Celebrate that win, then move on to the next. Little by little, you’ll build something amazing without driving yourself crazy.
Set Realistic Goals
Here’s another tip: don’t overload your plate. Pick one, two, or maybe three key writing goals for the year. That’s it. If you get through them, great! If not, it’s still okay.
Trying to juggle six or ten big goals will only throw off your mental balance. Instead, focus on doing fewer things well. This way, you’re less stressed, more productive, and able to enjoy the process.
Create Space for Peace
Writers need peace of mind to do their best work. Here are a few ways to protect yours:
- Stop Working at a Set Time: If you can, stop writing after 5 or 6 PM. Give your brain a chance to rest.
- Prioritize Sleep: Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Make it a priority.
- Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to relax, recharge, and connect with friends and family.
- Simplify Your Routine: Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on what really matters.
Writing One Step at a Time
If you’re working on a big project, like a book, it can feel intimidating to think about the whole thing at once. Instead, break it down. Write a chapter, a page, or even just a single paragraph. Then another.
Each small step is progress, and before you know it, you’ll have a finished piece. Writing doesn’t have to be a marathon sprint—it’s more like a series of manageable strolls.
Let Nature Be Your Teacher
Nature is a wonderful teacher if we take the time to observe it. Birds, for example, don’t stress about building a nest. They take their time and eventually create something sturdy and beautiful.
What can you create if you approach your writing with that same patience and persistence?
Enjoy the Journey
Writing isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the process, too. Take time to enjoy it. Celebrate the little victories along the way. Each word, sentence, and paragraph you write is a step toward something bigger.
And remember, just like the bird builds its nest one twig at a time, you can build your writing life little by little.
For more inspiration, check out these two other articles I wrote: See Like a Writer and Write About What You See and Don’t Wait to Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Writing Journey?
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Are you looking for one-on-one guidance? I offer personalized writing coach services to help you unlock your potential, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or working on your next big project, I can help you take it one step at a time.
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Think You Can’t Do Something?
Think again.
Think you can’t do something that you would really like to do?
Perhaps due to your age, or for some other reason?
Life is short. Today (which is the only day that we know for sure that we have) is a good day to change from thinking that you can’t do something, to heck yes, you can!
I know. It sounds so simple, but sometimes you need to hear the same message over and over again before it begins to really sink in. I know I do.
Think you can’t do something?
Yes, you can!
You can do anything you want to do. Don’t limit yourself.
For me, I will add, within reason of course, due to my age. After all, I can’t run a long grueling marathon (actually I never did), or do two thousand sit-ups. I mean who would want to do that anyway?
There are just some physical things that I can’t, and might I add, don’t want to do. Period.
But that’s where it ends.
When it comes to starting a business that you’ve always wanted to start, or learning a new skill or language, writing a book, tandem skydiving, or adventuring around in some other country, you can do it at any age.
I changed my thinking and did all those things and more. And more importantly, I continue to do whatever I want to do.
- Learned to play the guitar, and even learned to read music. I’m also planning on taking piano lessons soon.
- Wrote several books. The first one was a children’s book about Nigeria, published by a traditional publisher, and the last one is about Moving to Ghana, the Essential Things You Need to Know which I self-published in 2018. I am currently working on yet another book.
- Parachuted out of a plane over San Diego at an altitude of 12,500 just to overcome my fear of heights. I almost chickened out when the instructor asked me if I had taken the brief pre-jump training. I hadn’t. But hey, I figured I was securely strapped to him so he had a vested interest in making sure that the jump was successful. Besides, I was already stepping into the aircraft.
- Adventured in and around Ghana and Nigeria for several years after retiring early so that I could do whatever I wanted to do. Senegal is on my radar. In fact, I now live part-time abroad.
Want to know my age?
I’m in my 60s.
The moral of the story
Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you want to do, whether you are in your 20s or 90s, or somewhere in between.
Come on now. We only have this one life to live. So live.
The key is to start little by little. Like the African (Kenyan) proverb goes, little by little, the bird builds its nest.
Go out there and start doing what you want to do.
On a personal note, like the bird, I’ve started my newsletter, little by little. It’s all about three of my favorite things to do. Reading, writing and helping others improve their writing, all with a good dose of encouragement thrown in.
If this sounds good to you, then go ahead subscribe to my weekly newsletter and let’s keep in touch!
Stop Doing These 13 Things and Start Feeling Better About Yourself Today
Navigating this world and these times is not easy especially when there’s so much pressure to conform
Conforming to expectations of others.
And along with all this conforming comes a chipping away of self value.
Each generation faces its own unique set of challenges, but one thing remains the same, no matter the generation.
No matter the time.
No matter the place,
To be truly happy and content in life you have to stay true to who you are.
I know. Sounds cliche, but that does not make it any less true.
You need to hear it.
And it is not enough for you to just say it.
You have to live it.
Especially if you have been made to feel “less than” or not good enough.
This is especially true for Black, Brown, Poor and Marginalized people, including women in many parts of world.
To feel happier and be stronger within, it’s imperative that you do not devalue yourself in a futile attempt to live up to the expectations of others.
Check out these 13 things that people do that undermine who they are. If you are doing any of them, stop doing them today.
Here are 13 Things to stop doing now so you can start feeling better about yourself
- Thinking the way of others is inherently better. All other ways we devalue ourselves follows from this one.
- Pursuing and adopting the values and ways of life of others and relegating our value and culture as second class.
- Dismissing our own history and incorporating the history of others. Their stories and experiences are now more credible than our own.
- Striving to conform to the physical standards and ideals of others to the point that we do not even see the beauty in ourselves.
- Placing more importance on the lives of others, with the result that somehow their lives are more important than ours.
- Choosing to remain uneducated in a world that offers so much free information.
- Failing to take responsibility for our actions and waiting for others to rescue us, while at the same time, not supporting those within us who can help. And then when things don’t work out, we begin to see ourselves as victims.
- Doing whatever it takes to make ourselves accepted by others, even if it means an erosion of self-respect.
- Trading who we are for who we are not.
- Failing to take care of our most vulnerable, our young people and our elders.
- Having children and abandoning them financially and emotionally.
- Continuing to be conspicuous consumers and not providing a foundation of education, financial literacy and wealth building strategies to our future generations.
- Failing to have a written will and other instructions in place for our families when we die.
Eliminate these behaviors and we will all be stronger, happier and more successful people.
Here are two other articles you may be interested in reading: https://maryoluonye.theredsunflower.com/will-cosmetic-surgery-make-you-happier/ and https://maryoluonye.theredsunflower.com/skin-bleaching-is-a-symptom-of-a-deeper-problem/
Racist Treatment of Africans and Indians During the Crisis in Ukraine
The Slow Coverage by Western Media
I’m not under any illusions about the racist implications concerning the treatment of Africans, Indians and others in Ukraine, and Western media’s slow response in covering their stories too.
What’s happening in the Ukraine is, without a doubt, appalling and senseless. All this fighting and killing and for what?
In the big picture, what is there to be gained?
But that is not the point of this post.
Glaring disrespect
The point of this post is the glaring disregard, disrespect and racism that we’ve all now witnessed where it comes to the lives of Black and Brown people in a war zone. In Ukraine.
Or anywhere else, for that matter.
I know, I know. Of course, not all Ukranians are disrespectful or racist, but here’s the thing; a significant number of Ukranians in positions of authority, or in positions that can affect the safety or future of other people (Black and Brown ) did display such behavior.
Why was Western media so slow to report on what was happening to stranded Africans, Indians and other Nationals in Ukraine?
News of the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been relentless, yet with all that coverage, I hadn’t heard anything regarding the treatment of Africans, Indians, and other people stranded in Ukraine.
It wasn’t until I happened to catch a discussion on BBC between Matthew Amroliwala and BBC’s South Asia Editor, Lipika Pelham, that I learned of what was happening to Black and Brown people in Ukraine.
And then came the numerous videos filmed by Africans and Indians who were being pushed aside by Ukranian guards, told to get back, and prevented from boarding trains or buses headed to safer locations.
Not to be left out, now that there was public outrage by Africans, Indians and other Nationals, it became an important story for Western media to cover, to prove, too late, that their reporting was, and is not biased.
When it comes to Africa, corrupt leadership is partly to blame for the global disrespect of Africans
Anyway, when it comes to Africa, part of the global disrespect thrown at us is the fault of so-called African leaders who are the first to disrespect their own citizens by placing self-interest and their private bank accounts above the needs of the country and continent.
A country, a continent, and a people without competent leadership, economic power, or true independence will always land at the bottom.
Everyone else will think it is also okay to disrespect them. After all, even their own leaders don’t respect them, others can say.
So, today it’s Ukraine, tomorrow it will be some other country.
Our focus should not be about expending energy reacting to how others disrespect us. Instead, Our collective energy should be spent on ousting incompetent, useless leaders and concentrating on developing self, country and continent.
Doing so will lead to greater economic power and leverage in a world that has shown us, time and time again, that to them, Black and Brown lives are not as valuable as White lives.
#Ukraine #Africans #Indians #racism #disrespect #westernmedia
Blaxit:
Black Americans Exit America
Blaxit is the word used to describe the latest migration of Black people in America to other countries. In this article, I use the term Black people to refer to African Americans and People of African Descent.
Past migrations
This is not the first time that Black people in America have migrated en masse. After slavery in America ended in 1865, Black people moved steadily from the American south to the north.
Why? They moved because the north represented freedom from the extreme violence and oppression that continued to exist in the south after slavery.
Black people began moving in the late1800s which led to two waves of Great Migrations. By the end of the second Great Migration in 1970, six million Black people had left the south.
Ironically, Black people in America are still searching for that seemingly elusive safety and promising future.
Blaxit in a nutshell
Brexit, the term used for withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, was modified to Blaxit in 2016 by Ulysses Burley III to describe the exit of Black people from America.
Blaxit in a nutshell, is the growing movement of Black people leaving America in search of friendly, welcoming countries where it is less stressful, less racist, less violent and less murderous than America.
Where Black people are going
Some people have already decided that their new home will be in an African country and Ghana, The Gambia, South Africa, and Tanzania are some popular choices.
Others are looking to countries such as Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
Not for everyone
But Blaxiting is not for everyone. For many it’s not so clear cut. Sometimes making a choice to leave America means leaving family behind because not all family members want to leave.
Some make the heart-wrenching decision to leave anyway and resolve to return to America periodically to visit family.
And for many others, the very idea of leaving America permanently is unthinkable. They are Americans. America is their home and no one is going to make them feel like they have to leave their own country.
Blaxiting is the best option for some people, but not for others. For those who choose the Blaxit journey, the key to success is to do your research and then make the informed decision that is best for you.
America is Sick
I could not write until now. George Floyd. The pain is so deep, so raw, so devastating and so heartbreaking.
I am so hurt and so angry.
As a mother of a son, aunt to nephews, “mom” to several young men, sister to a brother, cousin to male cousins, woman to her man, and a friend of men, I cannot tell you of the anguish I feel.
We are not going to take it anymore.
Stop killing us. Stop killing our children, men and women.
I forced myself to watch Don Lemon’s program, “I Can’t Breathe: Black Men Living and Dying in America. I forced myself to watch the videos of the killings of several black men, including 10 year-old Tamir Rice, and 17 year- old Treyvon Martin.
Forced myself to watch the program to honor, in my way, George Floyd and other murdered black people at the hands of the police. I will not watch the video of George Floyd’s death ever again. I cannot. I cannot bear to hear him calling for his mother as he lay dying. I cannot. I can only pray that his mother, who died two years ago, came to him as he lay dying. I cannot watch it again. I can’t.
We are not going to take it anymore. You will stop killing our Black boys and men.
A friend of mine, Ira C. posted this on Facebook: “I vow I will never watch police kill you. On my life. That’s my love for you.”
What if we all took that vow today?
What if when we see police brutalizing an unarmed black man, or anyone for that matter, what if we refuse to accept it? What if we linked arms and approached the police peacefully and with determination and demanded that they stop the brutalization? What if we collectively made the decision to stop them from killing an unarmed, subdued human being?
They cannot shoot us all, and there will be more people. They cannot arrest all of the good people. Undertaking this strategy would require the courage and support of everyone around. It requires that we have agreed to make the vow. Because we have now seen for ourselves how unimaginably barbaric and inhumane too many police can be.
We cannot leave black boys and men alone with police. Most police are good, but some of them, too many of them, are murderous. They kill us and get away with it.
Today I have to remember that most people are good. I see that goodness in my friends and strangers. I see that goodness in the hurt, heartbreak, outrage, courage and support of young people of all races and ethnicities all over the world.
Today I am thinking of how people are reaching out from all over the world to ask, “What the hell is going on in America? Why are they killing Black men?” My African friends are outraged.
I am thinking of the sickness that is America. It seems that for some segment of white society, there is, and has always been, some kind of sick, twisted and warped fascination with, and addiction to, black people.
First of all, they (being some white people) brought enslaved Africans to the shores of what would become America. They looked at us as less than humans and more like animals. Yet they could not seem to live without us, wanting us to be near them, to take care of them. Looked at us as animals and yet lusted after our bodies. Raped women, raped men, tortured and killed men, women and children, physically and mentally. But still they had to have us.
After slavery, they wanted to keep us separated from them in their Jim Crow mindset, but at the same time, they wanted us to come in and take care of them. Take care of them and then get out. They also wanted us to come to the back door of their stores for us to give them our money.
So we left them alone. Developed our own safe places. Our own neighborhoods, businesses and towns. Successful towns. But they couldn’t leave us alone then. They could not stand to see us being successful without them. What kind of schizophrenic envy is that? So they used any excuse to come into our safe places, separate and away from them. They came to loot, maim and destroy. We left them alone because that is what they said they wanted. And they still didn’t like it. What kind of sick jealousy is that?
And by the way, when they do come to kill us, it is never 1:1. In George Floyd’s death, it was 4:1. And another thing. It is always armed versus unarmed. In George Floyd’s case, the police were armed and he was not. What kind of cowardice is that?
Fear. They are afraid of us. Why? There is no need to fear us, but they fear us, even when they outnumber us. Perhaps it’s because they judge others based on what they would do. What they don’t know is that most people do not behave like them. What kind of ignorance is that?
Yes. Some white people have a sick and obsessive addiction to black people.
And they think that they can continue to hurt us and kill us. But just so you know, we have had enough.
We have an absolute right to defend ourselves. Our sons, cousins, brothers, husbands, partners, nephews, uncles and grandparents have a right to breathe. Leave us alone.
Right now America is really sick. Ugly sick.
Hope lies in the unity of good people and in the courage and conviction of young people today.
So what are you going to do?
