Author / Uprising Experience

by Uprising Experience

For Justice

October 21, 2020 | My story, Kristi Love | Justice Love Omar

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month #NeverBeStill

“If you were 23 weeks we could do this. If you were 23 weeks we would do this.”

She said that too many times in her lazy attempt to comfort me after arriving at the emergency (labor and delivery) room. She confirmed that my water broke and the more I think about it, we just sat there for such a long time. All they said was that my baby no longer had a heart beat, but nobody checked her heartbeat until my sister showed up about 2 hours later.

This is my story of experiencing pregnancy loss at 20 weeks (5 months).

On July 10th 2019, I found out I was pregnant. It crossed my mind that I may have been, however, I didn’t think much of it. Well, I left a 3 hour training, sat in my car and felt like I was about to faint. I was getting dizzy, scared, and not understanding why. I did not think I was hungry because I just demolished the snacks I had during the training. 

I called my significant other and told him I didn’t feel well and almost not sure if I could make it home. Thankfully, I didn’t live far from home. Got home, made a sandwich and started making phone calls. 

Y’all, at that moment, I did not want to spend money on a pregnancy test and because I live in DC, I just knew there was a free service around. So, I found that service and it was confirmed I was pregnant.

“Oh lord, really?” I just wasn’t sure how to feel about this. No plans for having a child. It wasn’t something we really talked about. Honestly, we didn’t think it could happen, yet still saying, “If it happens, it happens”.

Ok, so we’re pregnant, great. Let’s take the necessary steps to have a healthy pregnancy, baby, and delivery. We decided on George Washington University, just because it seemed like the best place to go. I also asked friends and GW was the common theme.

Fast forward. I was 38 at the time. I’m a Black woman who is overweight with a high BMI. I also had a missed abortion the year before. Therefore, alll of those factors gave me the label of “High risk”. Ok, cool, carry on. I was told that I should only gain about 11-15lbs. Sure, we will see.

Now, all summer leading to October, I was all over the place. I was out in about in these streets. Summer 2019 had a lot going on and I was at the free events, the entertainment events. I was volunteering, eating, walking and exercising. Sure I gained my 15lbs real quick, lol, but I was chilling.

I had my pregnancy symptoms, but overall y’all, I was good. There were NO problems. No pains, no bleeding (spotting), Baby Omar was good. We called her Baby Omar because we didn’t want to know the gender just yet. We were joining the club of Gender Reveal and were planning a gender reveal baby shower for December in TN.

Fast forward again, now to October. I was just about to start showing. Otherwise I was just Kristi gaining weight, lol. If you knew I was pregnant and really paying attention, maybe. Otherwise, I was just getting round.

Our last appointment for Baby Omar (Justice) was Oct 7th. She did not like the ultrasound (sonogram). She had the Wakanda Forever up, she had a leg up and her at times one harm. She was blocking it saying, “Stop it”. Her Father has never liked them and was against them all together, but he was there saying, “No more of these”.

So, cool. Justice is fine. Now, let’s talk about October 19th.

I flew to Chicaogo for a Black Girl Ventures Event on October 18th. The day went well, the pitch competition went well. I wore tennis shoes and I was moving around, fine. Again, no problems. That night the group was hungry and we looked for places to eat and settled on a seafood place. No biggie, but I knew I wasn’t going to eat too much seafood because that Mondy we had crab legs and shrimp from the Wharf (for his Birthday).

That night, I had a salad, fries, and some calamari. Cool. No biggie. Now, here is what I remember moving forward.

Saturday morning, my stomach was hurting. It felt like constipation. It felt like I had to use the bathroom, but nothing was coming out. It was sort of sharp pain, but I ignored it (that morning) as just constipation. And the person I shared the room with said her food didn’t sit well with her and she had an upset stomach. Still, chopped it up as constipation. 

On the plane, I was so uncomfortable. Y’all, I usually avoid the bathrooms on the plane. I went twice and nothing happened but I peed a little bit. I was hurting at this point. Once we landed and I was in the car, I don’t remember if I told my SO about my pain. One reason is because I already committed to going to two places that day and I  knew he would say, “No you need to rest”. 

The two things I wanted to attend included; my colleagues’ house for a late lunch and an engagement party later that evening. After arriving homeI was in bed. I then talk about the pain and I’m also tired. However, stubborn Kristi. I’m like, no I don’t want to disappoint my colleague. I’m going to her house. 

I got there and I told her I was pregnant before the other folks came. Y’all, I was in pain and again I thought it was normal pain feeling like constipation. I ate when I wasn’t really hungry, but the food was good and I hadn’t had much to eat that day. 

Once I left her house, my plan was to go to Target to get a weeking gift. Naw, my body and mind said, “Go home”. I called my sister and she said it was ligament pain. But then said, it shouldn’t last that long. By now, it’s around 6:30pm. I’m crying, it hurts to sit, and it hurts to walk. It only feels good to lay in the bed. FInally after going to the bathroom and nothing happening, I called the Midwives of GW. The one I spoke to was so kind and also said ligament pain. However, she recommended that I drink lots of water and if after two hours goes by and still in pain, call again.

Well, at 11:00pm (yes stubborn and ignoring my pain), I’m finally like, “Let’s go to the ER”. We go and my pain has decreased. My significant other and I are cool, laid back, sort of laughing but still wondering what’s happening.

To keep it moving I will say this. The doctor and the midwife at that time (not the one I talked to earlier) totally dismissed my pain. They checked the heartbeat and I (for the life of me) don’t rember hearing a good heartbeat. They put the device on me that checks for contractions for only 30 minutes, high about my navel. The last thing I remember is the Doctor leaning into my room, half way behind the curtain saying, “Everything is fine. Go home and take some pain medication.” 

He and I said, nope we won’t be doing that. Looking back, we didn’t ask enough questions. If you know me, I asked lots of questions. This time, I was just a patient going along with what they were saying. The pain was ALL DAY long and I was told to go home and take meds.

Go home, still in pain but not as bad. On to Sunday, October 20th.

The day was cool. I’m having pain but not like Saturday. My SO goes to an appointment, comes home, and we watch some football. I’m doing work on the computer and I fall asleep. I wake up and have to use the bathroom. 

Sharing TMI-

I sit on the toilet. I’m laid back on the toliet, chiling, legs wide open and feeling constipated. Then…my water breaks. I yell his name and say, “It happened”. He jumps out of bed and now I’m scared. I call my sister then the midwife.

He kept asking, “Now, you sure you didn’t pee on myself”. Sir, I was sitting on the toilet and a quick gush hit the floor. I have never missed the toilet, sitting on the toilet and it hit the floor. 

Now, I’m leaking and giving him this look, “This isn’t good”. We probably didn’t leave the house till 20-30 min late. Too long. Anyway, we get there. My pants are wet and it feels like I have on a diaper.

The same doctor from Saturday night is still the doctor on duty. She does this quick check to see if my water broker. Yes, it did. She tells me there is nothing they can do at 20 weeks. Goes on to say, “If you were 23 weeks….” After the 3rd time, I said, “I am NOT 23 weeks, I am 20 weeks. Talk to me about that’

I was angry now. No other checks were done. They just concluded that the baby’s heart stopped beating and there was nothing they could do. “This happens all the time and we don’t know why”.

I was given these three choices

  1. Have a DNC- have an abortion where they suck her body out. There are some dangers there
  2. Delivery my still born daughter. Go into labour via induced labor
  3. “Stay pregnant” with the danger of infection from allowing a deceased fetus to stay in my womb.

I went with option 2 because this was my reasoning that I said out loud. “I will go into labor because I may never get to experience this again.”

Once my sister came, we listened for a heartbeat, even though we knew we wouldn’t hear Justice’s heartbeat. Then finally at about 2am (after asking for hours) I see the sonogram of her still body. I just needed to see it.

Monday October 21st around 7:30, the induction begins. After several hours, the pain starts really kicking in. I could not take the pain around 12:30pm or so. I was trying to avoid an epidural, but listen. The pain. I don’t like pain and it was coming quick.

After the epidural, I’m laying flat on my back. I feel something (Justice) and I say, ‘I feel something”. The doctor comes in, sits on the bed at the bottom and at 1:16pm, Justice Love Omar gently sides out onto the hands of the doctor.

I didn’t want to see her until they cleaned her up. I knew going into labor my baby was with the Lord. I knew she was lifeless. I knew she was still. Yet I wanted to hold her.

I held her….many many times from Monday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon. Such a pretty girl looking like her fahrer, lol. His lips and nose. She was long. She is my daughter and I miss her. I was mad, angry, sad, scared, and still blessed. 

The nurse that cared for me on Oct 21st was so awesome that I did not think about how I was treated Saturday night and Sunday evening. 

The only conclusion (if you can say that) is that the membranes of my placenta ruptured and caused Justice’s support to dissolve and my water broke. She was no longer safe.  

My story. I am 1 and 4 women who had a still born. I delivered my baby girl. Her time in my womb was great. She was good and healthy. She is my angel daughter. She is forever in my heart. I talk to her often. I thank God for our time together. 

She is Justice. Love. Omar.

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Statistics 1 and 160 pregnancies’ will end in stillborn

1 and 4 women will lose a baby during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy

Today, 70 babies will be born still today

Opinion-End Implicit Bias in Maternal Health. Black women should not experience pregnancy and infant loss at higher rates. Our health matters. We matter. Black women experience real pain.

by Uprising Experience

Witnessing America’s History

Kristi Love |2018

Sharing…old thoughts that remain today. Written in 2018…published during 2020 Quarantine.

When “Advanced” technology exposes America’s truth.

When blogs, social media posts and podcasts take the place of history books.

We no longer have an excuse about not knowing what is happening in America…..land of the free, home of the brave.

We no longer have to wonder “what if” I lived during slavery, Jim Crow, or the Civil Rights Era. We are living in all those times right now in 2018. It just looks different.

No longer can we say or believe that “Race doesn’t Matter”.

I (we) can no longer let the days go by and not speak out against the injustices happening in America today.

This is America. Trump really is the POTUS. His wife really wore that jacket, “I really don’t care, do you?”. A young Black teen in Pittsburgh really did get shot in the back by a newly sworn in white police officer…for simply running away.

This is the America (we) I live in.

This is the sad but true part about how some of us feel/think. Children being taken away from their parents…especially their mothers is not a new thing. It is just being done in a different manner and exposed for the world to see. African babies were taken from their slave mothers and fathers for years. Do I need to say more?

We can write about this all day. The question is what are we doing about this? What can we do as individuals, families and communities to stop this. Change this. Prevent this.

Who do we call? Who do we write? Do we need to protest somewhere?

The love of humanity is needed more and more each day. After we pray to God, we move. After we praise him, we paved the way through our actions.

No weapons formed against God’s people shall prosper.

This is a heart condition. This is a love condition.

God has equipped us all to do His work here on earth. Are we using our gifts to fight for our children, families, and communities. 

This. Is. America.

by Uprising Experience

I stand with Kaepernick

Kristi Love | February 2018

During Quarantine 2020, I’m sharing a few blogs that I just didn’t publish. What a better time than now. This will help me come back to one of my passions- writing and blogging…sharing my opinion.

I have a confession- I watched a few football games during this (2018) NFL season; including the Super Bowl (Congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles- who won for the first time since their franchise began). I was on board with the Southern Black Preachers, actors, and countless others who asked America to boycott the NFL by not watching football in support of Colin Kaepernick and I commend those who decided to boycott the NFL the entire season.

Colin, in his personal subtle way, took a stance on something and his action did what it was meant to do. It started a well-needed conversation.

“I’m not saying I’m going to rule the world, or I’m going to change the world. But I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world. That’s our job, is to spark somebody else watching us.” – Colin Kaepernick

We all have the right to protest. We all have the right to challenge and question injustices when we see it happening in our families, communities, states, country, and the world. That’s what America is about. Our First Amendment right allows me to NOT salute the American flag because that is our freedom. Colin Kaepernick will go down in history with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith & John Carlos, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson and others who used their platform to fight for justice.

Over the past months, my respect for Colin Kaepernick has increased as I watched him put in the work to be the change he wanted to see. He is a true example of an individual using their actions to make a statement for the good of the people. His actions spoke louder than his words.

In case you did not know, Colin has been “woke” for several years. He did not all of a sudden decide well into his football career to make a statement that ultimately cost him his NFL career. He has been on a journey to find who he was in college but really throughout his years growing up as a child. I commend his parents (Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, who adopted him when he was a few weeks old) for being open, honest, and supportive of him during his life’s journey. His biological mother, Heidi Russo was 19 years at the time and his father left as soon as he learned Russo was pregnant. Who knows what the trajectory of his life would be if Heidi decided to raise him on her own. Without of the support of his parents, he may have never realized his full potential and calling.

The adoption alone changed the course of his life. His parents never hid the fact that he was adopted and early on he noticed the stares and inappropriate comments his classmates would say to him. Colin went on to prosper academically and athletically in high school (where he played Baseball and Football). Through high school and college (University of Nevada, Reno) he sought the knowledge of self.

Fast forward some years, Kaepernick signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and eventually led the team to the Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. From there he would go from starting quarterback to not starting and the cycle continued.  At the start of the 2016 season, he took a stand. Out of the blue (some may have thought), Colin Kaepernick first sat on the bench during the playing of the national anthem. Once media caught on and then he started to kneel, WHITE AMERICA was outraged. What I heard when folks were upset were these types of statements, “How dare this Black man take a knee while our anthem is playing.” “How could an NFL player decide to peacefully protest while he entertains us on Sunday?” “Play football, nobody wants to hear about your political views.” White Americans were not the only ones disappointed in his decision to use his platform to send a political message. Some African Americans were also not pleased and considered his actions a waste of time thinking he didn’t need to speak for African Americans.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” -Colin Kaepernick

He was not protesting to gain popularity; he was protesting to make a bold statement.

“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” -Kaepernick

I find he actions to be respectable, notable, and honorable. He did not only stand for something, he did something about the injustices- he gave to organizations that serve individuals and communities who are underserved and providing social justice education and/or services.

In 2016, this was Colin’s pledge, “I will donate one million dollars plus all the proceeds of my jersey sales from the 2016 season to organizations working in oppressed communities. 100k a month for 10 months.”

In the final stretch of his one-million-dollar pledge, he challenged and collaborated with friends. In January 2018, Colin decided he would give his last 100k in a #10for10 challenge by partnering with his friends who he asked to match his donation.

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If we want to make America great (or greater), we have to have the difficult conversations with an action plan in place. Just like our ancestors, we have to stand up and speak out when our civil rights are being violated. We may not live in the Civil Rights error but, we still have civil rights issues that are being violated and must be addressed.  Thank you, Colin Kaepernick for taking a stand by kneeling.

*What are your thoughts about race and individuals taking a stand during the national anthem? Let’s talk about it- comment below.

You can find the list of organizations he donated funds to throughout his campaign on his website at  http://kaepernick7.com/

Also, check out those who joined him during his encore series http://kaepernick7.com/10for10-encore/

by Uprising Experience

Heal Me

Guest writer: Dr. Phillip E. Graham, Doctor of Philosophy I in Counseling Psychology |WGC| Uprising

Mental Health (MH) has been a major buzz word as of late; it’s a term that has been in heavy rotation in the zeitgeist, on the tip of our tongues, burning our ears and on the pulse of this generation. However, as a culture we have become increasingly desensitized to MH issues, at least based on many of the comments on social media in regards to issues surrounding this topic. Black mental health is in a state of crisis and the collective conscious is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  However, the Black community has seemingly been left out of the conversation about MH. Black women have shown an increase in post-partum depression, Black children are being ushered in to special needs classes, which has inadvertently created a direct route to the preschool-to-prison pipeline, and suicide rates have increased significantly just to name a few.

Despite the fact that MH concerns have reached an all-time-high, there are very few celebrities, artist and people talking about it, with the exception of Charlemagne tha God, Taraji P. Henson, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Yussha Assad and Raheem Devaughn have decided to take on the challenge of discussing MH concerns among Black men with his latest track, Heal Me. This song is a breath of fresh air as he speaks to many of problems that are crippling Black men emotionally. Researchers suggest, of all the health concerns faced by Black men, mental health challenges may be among the most stigmatized (Holden, McGregor, Blanks, & Mahaffey, 2012; Watkins & Jefferson,2013). Raheem starts singing over staccato piano composition and Yusha begins to engage in a dialog that takes place between father and son on a conscious and subconscious level.

Yusha recalls stories of fatherhood that I’m sure many of us can relate to, of how often men prefer to swallow their pain without a healthy outlet. In many ways, we are our own worst enemies. As Black men, we have been taught to reject seeking and asking for help, challenge conventional wisdom, and many of us continue to perpetuate antiquated beliefs about masculinity. Far too often we internalize our feelings and project our insecurities on to our children, passing down trauma as a rite of passage. We have been conditioned to not show our vulnerabilities and many of us relish in the display of our most toxic traits to validate our perception of manhood. Yusha addresses all of these facets in his latest track and many of the lyrics of his song resonated with me in very profound ways.

As a psychotherapist, I couldn’t help but recall the litany of sessions with young Black men that have reiterated this troupe. Yusha provides an antidote about the deeply complited relationship we have as men opening up and expressing our needs. While he tells a very detailed story about a narrative that is very common, what I enjoyed most is that he also provided sound and rational interventions to help shift the social consciousness to a state of healing and awareness. He identifies healthy coping mechanisms such as exorcise, yoga, meditation, journaling and talk therapy to sublimate for anxiety, depression, fear, doubt and worries. As men, we all experience these things on some level but we are not often comfortable talking about it. Who are we going to talk to about our problems without sounding weak or needy? When is it acceptable to express our concerns and who can bear the burden of our problems?

I recently read a meme posted by @Cthagod which states: “You are not responsible for the programming you received in childhood. As an adult, you are absolutely responsible for fixing it.” Iyanla Vanzant said that “If trauma can be passed down, then so can healing.” Despite not having the tools to adequately address our issues, perhaps the approach to internal healing can be found in the lyrics of this song. To speak is to release, to release is to no longer internalize which has metaphysical, psychological, and emotional healing properties. There is a spiritual adage that states, “Life and death is in the power of the tongue” Proverbs 18:21. We can speak health, wealth, healing, and prosperity into our lives; unfortunately, the converse is just as true. Nonetheless, words alone cannot change ones’ circumstances. It’s the actions that we put behind our words that make the difference.

If you can take one thing away from this song, other than a dope beat, masterful lyrics and the soothing sound of Raheem Devaughn; remember this, expressing emotions does not compromise your masculinity; it’s okay to ask for help; you’re not alone; and “you can believe in God and see a therapist” (source unknown). If you are in need of help, there are plenty of Black Doctors seeking to support. For additional resources, check out my podcast 6 Degrees of Black Mental Health or visit https://www.abpsi.org/ for a directory of black psychologists near you. I encourage you to read and listen closely to the lyrics of this song by Yusha Assad, it may provide you with the strength to seek the help you need.

Listen now to HEAL ME,  HERE

With Love,

Dr. Phillip E. Graham

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

 

by Uprising Experience

Our future leaders speak; Power. Purpose. Belief & Belonging.

Kristi Love | The Future Project 2019 | Washington, DC

 

When they speak, we must listen.

Pay attention to their words.

Hold them accountable to their goals.

Prepare them by showing them integrity, being intentional, and equipping them with the tools needed to reach their definition of success.

 

Yusha Assad is the director of The Future Project at Roosevelt SHS. This school year he has built upon student leaders and guided them to pursue their present & future purpose.

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This past week, Uprising talked to student leaders at Roosevelt about The Future Project, their career goals, Nipsey Hussle and more.

You have time, click here & listen up.

 

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by Uprising Experience

Uprising’s Woman of the Month, Kristin Shymoniak: A woman currently making history

K. Love | Women’s History Month |HERstory

A true servant leader, Kristin Shymoniak, born and raised in Aliquippa, PA embodies leadership and purpose while walking in her destiny to (as cliché as it may sound) make the world a better place.

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There are so many women to highlight during Women’s History Month and we considered Kristen long before March. Uprising Experience has known Kris for over two or three years now and we’ve watched her manifest her greatness and share it with organizations and events throughout the DMV. She is connected to us through With Great Care, LLC (where she is behind the scenes making things happen), but before WGC she was already leaving her mark in the community.  

This young woman is a powerful leader, educator, and a social justice advocate.

Kristin Shymoniak humbly allowed Uprising Experience in her home to get to know her a little more. At one point she laid back on the couch pillow with her head tilted back, relaxed, looking carefree and comfortable while we were talking.

Kris was in her safe space – in her element, almost with her guard down sharing her life story with us. Her responses were effortless, passionate, and filled with integrity and energy. We discovered where her heart to serve was developed and what she hopes to see and leave for generations that will follow her.

Take a listen to our in depth conversation (taken place in Northeast, DC), but first, below are a few Q & A we had prior to our recorded conversation.

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Uprising: As a Millennial (or X Millennial) what are the positive advancements (for women in particular) do you see happening in our society?

Kris: “I see so many more women, especially black women, excelling in leadership roles. Women are taking over the political areas, activism, STEAM fields, and businesses. It makes me extremely happy to be a part of the Movement.”

Uprising: Why is advocacy/social justice so important to you?

Kris: “Advocacy for me is not being a voice for the voiceless but returning the voices back to those while they’ve been stolen from. So with being in the social justice movement, I am able to transfer power to those in our communities so that it catches like wildfire and ignites freedom, justice, and prosperity.”

Uprising: What woman in history has made an impact on your life? How & why?

Kris: “WOW! There are so many! I would have to say two (I am not following the directions but I am going to name two lol). Angela Davis and Shirley Chisholm. These women were the epitome of boldness, intelligence, and an unrelenting fight. These women used their classroom or podium as a platform to empower and transfer power to those who had lost hope. Even though they fought injustices tooth and nail, they never lost their dignity and grace. They ignited a fire that counties to burn to this day!”

Uprising: What role did your parents play in your passion for social justice?

Kris: “Everything! Since I can remember, I was surrounded by advocacy. My parents are community leaders and pastors that have a heart for the people. They instilled in me the spirit of service, a drive to fight injustices no matter the cost, and work tooth and nail to raise up those around me. My parents exemplified how one person can conquer 1,000 but with two, they can conquer 10,000! They love hard and fight harder. My parents always allowed me to speak my mind and join the fights that I deemed important and for that, I am extremely grateful.”

Uprising: How are you currently making history?

Kris: “I am making history with each intentional step I take! I am making history through leading one of the most impactful organizations in the country, Thursday Network of the national Urban League. While serving as the community service programs chair, I started a food pantry that has consistently fed over 10 families each month since its inception in August 2017. In addition to activism, I am an educator. I make history everyday in my classroom, teaching students that their voice, energy, and actions mean more than anything in this world. I teach my students that they are world changers regardless of their age and that their possibles are endless.”

Uprising: Why Thursday Network? How did you first hear about the organization and what is your current role in Thursday Network?

Kris: “As one who has lived a life of service, it was only right for me to join the Urban League movement! When I moved to DC in 2011, I was looking for a place to serve and I was introduced to Thursday Network. I attended their MLK Blanket and Toiletries Drive during MLK Day and was immediately invested! During this event, volunteers from all over the Greater Washington area joined forces to assemble care packages for those experiencing homelessness. It was beautiful and I joined the movement that week! I am currently the President of Thursday Network. I serve with over 200 young professionals, lead by 13 strong and devoted committee chairs and officers- that create the most innovative programming dedicated to community empowerment, civic engagement, youth development, economic freedom, and enhancing the health of our communities.”

Uprising: For the next generation, what advice would you give them?

Kris: “I would tell the next generation to live and move unapologetically with a vision to change the world, be everlasting, be contagious, and conquer. I would tell them to always remember that they are Kings and Queens and that no voice is more powerful than their own and the only way to make a change is to act!”

Thank you Kristin for talking with us and allowing us in her home. You can support her and Thursday Network @shyshowbob_  @thursdaynetwork

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To listen to the full interview, click here.

Continue to support us on social media @wgcuprising to stay engaged by commenting on our blogs and IG posts.

Look out for our blogs every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month.

 

by Uprising Experience

2020 Presidential Candidate, Kamala Harris: Is she Black Enough or Naw?

K. Love | Race Matters | Women’s History & Social Work Month

Are we really (still) concerned if a Black person is “Black enough” to get our support? Do we hold non-Black individuals to this high standard when they run for office?

I’ll wait…

No, we do not. Once an individual becomes a public figure, we criticize them for showing up claiming to be “Black Black”.

I think we have it all wrong. Especially when it comes to scrutinizing a Presidential candidate who is a woman, a Black woman.

Kamala Harris, on MLK Day, Jan 21st, 2019 announced her bid to become the next President of the United States for the Democratic Party. She went back to “The Mecca”, her Alma mater, Howard University (surrounded by the Student Government) to make her announcement.

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We (Black folks) immediately went into attack mode. Questioning her blackness, her intentions, her marriage to a White man. Really y’all? Do we have to tear each other down and when we do, do we have to do it publicity? We stay ready to provoke a person’s Black Card, no questions asked.

Please don’t get confused. I’m not saying, “Vote for Kamala because she is Black”.

I am simply questioning your motive behind this higher standard you place on Black people than we do for others. I understand that some of us were hurt by the seemingly disregard that former President, Barack Obama had specifically for the Black Community during his presidency.

Most of his policies did not directly affect us positively or negatively. He did more for other individual groups than for us (i.e. Prison reform, Immigration laws, LGBTQ). I understand that pain, however; what has any President done specifically for our community to directly strengthen us in terms of wealth, equality, education, or health care?

What is our agenda anyway?

What is it that we actually want from a Black politician? If we do not know we can’t expect them to fight for us. Even still- who cares how Black a person is. Kamala Harris is Black- born to a Jamaican father (Professor) and an Indian mother (a scientist and civil rights advocate). Born and raised in Oakland, CA. Spent her high school years in Montreal then attended Howard University (Washington, DC), a Historically Black College/University.

Who are we to take her Black Card away? What constitutes if a person is even Black enough anyway? Please show me the rule book of standards, because we are doing too much.

When your decide on a candidate try this formula:

  • Visit the candidates website and read their platform
  • Understand how they have voted for policies in the past
  • Know their slogan
  • Support them financially, volunteer, or share via social media

“Study to show thyself approved”

“We perish for lack of knowledge”

We will not agree with every issue (policy) candidates are concerned about. However, what matters are the issues you’re concerned about. How are candidates addressing issues important to you? Look at the present Presidency- seemingly, folks agreed with one or two policies he “promised” while IGNORING  his character, his antics, and his lack of experience. Yet he is in office.

Kamala does not have to prove herself or spend time on “how Black she is”. Blackness is too broad for us to sit here and debate about it. Lastly, who really cares that she is married to a White man. That does not dismiss her ‘blackness’.

Kam & Doug

Today on the first day of Women’s History & Social Work Month , consider what really matters to you. Critique yourself on these issues as you plan to support a candidate

  • Race Relations
  • Climate Change
  • Criminal Justice
  • Equality
  • Pro Life or Pro Choice
  • Religious Freedom
  • Immigration
  • Global Affairs
  • Military
  • Voting Rights
  • Taxes
  • Education

Here is a list of individuals who have announced their bid for the Democratic Candidacy so far

Do your own research this time around. Yes, race matters- but let’s not criticize and tear down our brother(s) or sister(s). Support, vote, show up to town halls, and hold them accountable. Visit her website https://kamalaharris.org/

*Set aside time this month and beyond to read a book written by a Black woman and buy from a Black owned business. Share your experience.

Peace

by Uprising Experience

A Poetic Journey of Our (Black) Love

Uprising | Love | 2019

Our love is uncompromising-

we will not apologize for it.

Our love is uninhibited.

We are a community and we bring magical powers throughout the world.

Our love empowers; therefore our love is healing.

Some fear our love because our roots were planted (on solid ground) through strength and in truth.

Our love is Contagious. Bold. Courageous.

Our love brings life.

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Black love is far-reaching.

Black love is creative.

Our Black love is restorative.

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Our Black Love is Universal

By: The With Great Care Team https://www.withgreatcare.com/

(@justdrena @yushaassadsmusic @shyshowbob_  @equanimous_soph @cameliajanelle & @iamkristilove)

by Uprising Experience

Supporting Black Love

FUBU | Black Owned | 2019

Businesses created by Black and Brown people stem from the deep roots of our passions. It may have take years to be realized; years to take the leap; the next step to completion; yet we do it.

The service or the product established is because we see a need to be addressed. We conquer our fear(s) and ignore the naysayers. We look past the doubts of close family and friends. We go against the grain and take the road less traveled.

 

For most of us growing up, our path was already paved. College was the route we had to choose. Graduate and obtain the corporate job (or now days non-profits or schools functioning like corporate companies). The American Dream is our goal. Yet we knew the American Dream was not set up with ‘Us” in mind.

 

Now that we’re creating our own streams of income, it exposes our resilience. It exposes our purpose. We did it for the money, yes. However, more importantly we did it to share the gift God gave us with the world.

If you are for Us, Buy From Us.

If you believe in Us, promote Us.

There is a product or service out there created with you in mind. We challenge you to buy Black this month and beyond.

This Is What We Do

We provide access to capital through Black Girl Ventures (@blackgirlventures https://www.blackgirlventures.or)

We shower you with self-care products with Divine Purity (https://www.divinepuritynatural.com/ @divinepurity)

We Connect. Inspire. And Challenge you by doing things with great care, purpose, and intention (@withgreatcare https://www.withgreatcare.com/ )

 

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We wear the Revolution (@radicalrevolutionclothingco)

Our beauty is in our hair

It’s in our skin (@nu_natural_organics)

We design your vision (@digibeedesignstudio https://www.digibeedesignstudio.com/

We UpStart other Black entrepreneurs (@theblackupstart)

 

Our bodies become the canvas (@lauresepaintz https://lauresepaintz.as.me/schedule.php/

Our voice speaks for the younger generation (@lifewiththeprincess https://bit.ly/2WCy8o4)

We bake for your event (@shopsweetcakes & https://www.krissyspastryloungeandcakestudios.com) and cook up the cuisine for your party (@bigjerkwings https://bigjerkwings.com/ & @sluttyveganatl http://sluttyveganatl.com/)

 

We educate your children

We pump our Black fists (@davidbannerlikespictures https://davidbannershop.com)

And we create notes of LOVE (@klovenotes)

We are Uprising through our stories (@wgcuprising)

Our art becomes fashion (@abellecreations)

Our stories speak peace, power, light (@peacepowerlight)

We wear our own brands (@wgcapparel & @monadelanapparel)

 

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We speak God’s truth (@its_priscillab)

We support fathers (@thelinnerfoundation) through community initiatives

Our music challenges your consciousness (@yushaassadmusic)

We are the change we want to see- our actions are political (@salimadofo @blackunitedfront)

 

We assist you in finding your dream home (@jantricejohnson https://www.smothermanpros.com)

Our gift is in our hands- we create masterpieces (@jlamaajstudio)

We make natural products for our children (@playpits https://playpits.com)

And time is on our side (@bensonwatch)

 

We have only touched the surface of businesses founded by Black people. Black Love is supporting Black Businesses. Buy Black this month and beyond.

 

#lovejoypeace

-K. Love

 

by Uprising Experience

Just throw all the “R. Kelly’s” away

Uprising | 2019 | With Great Care & Justice

…or not. Do we really need to mute him and throw him (them) away? How do we make sense of this and where do we go from here?

This is a difficult piece to write and difficult for you to read because our opinions may differ. And that’s ok. Difficult for some because of their life situations and for others, the mass media has told you what and how to think about various subjects.

Let’s start with this

Facts to consider about Robert Sylvester Kelly:

  • He has (allegedly) slept with women who were under the age of 18
  • He has gone to trial on several occasions for sexual misconduct with women under 18
  • He has settled out of court and paid unknown sums of money to individuals and families
  • He went to trial for child pornography
  • He was sexual abused from age 6 or 7 to the age of 14

Here are questions to consider when thinking about #muterkelly:

  • What should adults do in the moment when they know “wrong” is happening?
  • How many of us (or people we know) are victims of sexual misconduct/abuse?
  • Have we decided to mute Harvey Weinstein? Burn all Playboy magazines? WIll we mute Michael Jackson or Elvis Presley?
  • Women- when you were between the ages of 14-17, did you ever desire a man that was too old for you (men that that were 18-25)?
  • When will sexual misconduct end?
  • After the age of 21, “Age Aint Nothin But A Number” is received with open arms. Men and women usually see no probably with a 5-20 year difference when dating.

Again, these are statements and questions to consider. They are not here to imply or lead you to think a certain way. There is a problem in the minds and hearts of some (if not most) people and that has to change.

Lisa Van Allen

Lisa has been vocal since 2018 about her accounts with singe, R. Kelly. She too appeared in the Docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly”. Recently, she sat with Jada Pinkett Smith at the Red Table Talk Facebook TV series. Van Allen encourages young girls & woman to “Love yourself first”.

We must address the root of the problem and put an end to negative generational behaviors. Where do we begin to heal as a people?

There is a history of sexual predators way before R. Kelly. If we speak racially and historically, people of color are fairly new to this behavior. Whatever the case, the reality is, hurt people, hurt people. Individuals who were not protected as children, became adults who are hurt, abused, and need healing.

We cannot throw Robert Kelly away, nor can we throw all of the “R. Kelly’s” away. Why? Because they are our brothers and sisters. They are people who were and still misguided. Are we going to put the woman (who sexual abused him for years) under the jail cell? Should we have killed the man who tried to force R. Kelly to perform fellatio on him when he was a young boy?

r-kelly

We must start over with love and compassion. Healing and forgiveness. Justice and understanding.

We do NOT excuse his behavior. We do NOT condone his behavior. If he abused his power to do illegal sexual behaviors with teenage girls, take him to court.

Faith Rodgers

Faith Rodgers is suing R. Kelly for threats he (and his team) made after she testified to her experience(s) w/ Kelly on the lifetime Docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly”.

This information is not new. We’ve known for years about his behavior, yet we went to his concerts, bought his albums, and played his music. He was “sick” then and today, he’s still “sick”.

The people around him should stand and say, “No, not anymore”. #timesup True friends or family members must say, “Brother, you need help”.

We have to take responsibility for our own thoughts and behaviors. We should show compassion. NOT just for R. Kelly. Compassion for EVERYONE in his circle- from the girls (now women). His children and ex-wife. His brothers, family members. His managers, lawyers, everyone.

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL, 21: Portrait of Tracy Sampson in Chicago, IL, (Photo by Whitten Sabbatini/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Tracy Sampson, former intern at Epic Records, shares that she was sexual abused by Kelly. It started when she was 16 years old as an intern.

Let us take a different approach at how we handle “monsters”.

May justice be served. May healing for all begin. May we handle human beings with great care, purpose, and intention.

Don’t mute him, them, or us. There are billions of stories to tell when it comes to sexual misconduct. Unmute them all.

 

 

 

Disclaimer-We believe all women and their stories. Especially Black women, we believe you and justice should be served