I toggle back and forth between the idea that we should talk about race vs not. Inevitably when I settle, it is somewhere in this gray area where I understand that our tone is more important than our words chosen. Motive matters and I am always working on weaving more unity into the experience of me and sometimes that is done by addressing things.
Ever chat with me one-on-one? I deep-dive real quick. I dont like to linger on the surface. I like to get to the root of things, find common understanding and go back and forth on differences. I’m not looking to be right but hoping to gain perspective. My insistence is often only a challenging to shift my reality, friend. My raised voice? I’ve got passion shakes setting in, I’m not yelling.
Y’all.. i get on stage cause I love talking but if I’m starting a conversation it’s because I’m also ready for listening. Why do we back down for the hard questions when they’re key to enlightenment?
When a Conversationalist gets labeled a Colonizer
I’ve watched an influential black woman call a conversationalist a colonizer based solely on a willingness to speak of ideas and the color of her skin. Real shit.
Its time to start questioning the stories we’ve been telling..
And I’m not asking that you forget but encourage you to shift focus.
You’re sorting through rubble while some of us are building a bridge.
Not because we think we’re better but because we see the people need it
and our bodies have been called to purpose so we’re working.
Why do we keep recycling the past like it’s got more for us than the tension that left it crumbling?
We have a life, gifted with presence if we’re willing to accept it.
If you ever think I’m hateful,
I’m just obliviously friendly.
Open my eyes,
I love enlightenment.
When I’m sharing my truth and I sound confident?
That’s all it is.
Im not asking you adopt my perspective.
If anything I’d like to be met with yours.
Some of us are tired of division and are knocking and opening doors.
Some people hold tight, white-knuckling the knob like they’re keeping out wars.
I’ve watched myself be demonized over misunderstood words.
I know it happens to others so I’m asking..
Can you clarify yours?
If you run everytime someone wants to talk, do you really have courage?
Or are you awaiting a deity to handle your mess like they aren’t sick of cleaning up your shit?
Not a jab at your practice, just the way accountability is lacking and hidden behind magic.
I thought the goal was equality… what happened?
Much love, until next time.
Madeline May I... 