So Much to Process, So Little time

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Today I took in a lot of things, like everyday, but today I took in things from today and three days prior. It has most certainly been a lot and the mindset of my people has changed but the mindset of our oppressor has not changed. It has not changed for many years, they have had no fear and no shame in what they do and what they have been doing. It burdened my heart earlier hearing my peers stating their feelings of hopelessness; one being a young African American male. I know it has been instilled in the structure of our society for the African American male to no longer be present in his home, to be incarcerated and to act and be brainless. This ideology is not new even though it is far from true in terms of the system having to be that way. The hopelessness that my peers felt brought me to tears, because it made me realize how many African American men feel lost and out of place in society and don't know how to lead. Over the past few days I feel like I've taken in all of the pain that my ancestors have felt and only within a few days. Of course that's not realistic, but all of the information we've been having to take in has been really emotionally overwhelming. I just always try to remind myself  that my job as an African American individual is to not return hate to those who give it, but instead feel the same endurance, love and strength that my ancestors had. 

 -Naomi

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