Black Lives STILL Matter
Warning: this post can be triggering, but we felt it important to share it exactly as the author intended it to be read.
Black people are collectively sharing their stories and the world is FINALLY paying attention.
To say I feel vindicated is somewhat of an understatement.
Toni Morrison famously quoted:
“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”
I do not have time for distraction anymore, as it takes me away from my purpose.
Since the summer I have been working with my brother on his brand Adeptales.
I research and write about our Black History, I find by uplifting our ancestors I uplift myself.
Working with family is a privilege I have never had before and helped me find my voice again.
Around two years ago I had a nervous breakdown.
My breakdown was made out of bad career choices, seeking external validation, and low self-esteem.
I own my mistakes completely.
The lessons that have come from them are priceless, I will never allow anyone to undermine, gaslight, or use their privilege as a weapon against me.
The photo above was taken at a Black Lives Matter London demo, it was held on behalf of Mike Brown in 2014.
The more protests and demos that I attend make me realise it’s not my mind that needs convincing.
It’s the ones who love our culture but continue to stay silent when racial incidents occur.
It’s the ones who dismiss your lived experiences and say “they didn’t mean it like that”
It’s the ones who see you writing in a meeting room by yourself and come in to tell you they need it more - you calmly tell them that you are in an interview (and quietly thank your stars for not getting the job).
The list goes on and on and it’s so sad that I have only felt safe to share this with my Black friends and family as they give the knowing sad nod.
To all of those who posted black squares and did nothing else, to corporate companies who pledged to do better (but continue to bypass Black employees for promotion) Black lives will STILL matter.
Rest in Peace to Oluwatoyin Salau, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, Dominique Fells, Riah Milton, and to all our many fallen brothers and sisters.
Words & photo by Aderonke Oke (@aderonx_)