I need to apologize to all of you. I haven’t made a public statement this week, and I should have. I assume that people know my heart, and that isn’t fair. I need to use my privilege right now.
Black lives matter. Unequivocally. Let me start there. If you don’t believe that, or want to all lives matter me, please look in your heart and ask why you think that a statement about the humanity and dignity of Black people feels in any way a question.
I am beyond sickened by the murders of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, three recent examples of the violence on Black people in the United States. But being sad or upset isn’t enough. It isn’t nearly enough.
Rather than clutching my pearls and crying white lady tears, I’m thinking about my action plan moving forward. Here’s what my work in progress looks like right now.
I am a work in progress. I have been an optimistic person, but these days I think that optimism may be a privilege that I am afforded, but others are not. Instead, I aspire to be a fierce ally, an advocate, and a decent human being who believes in the dignity of others.
The United States was built on a promise that it has never lived up to. I hope, and pray, that now is the time we can all step up, lean in, and make that promise a reality for all people.
A lot of organizations are making statements of solidarity right now, and that’s important. But as a friend pointed out, if these statements are not followed up by real action, real change, then trust will be irrevocably broken. For performing arts companies, take this Covid-19 time to get your house in order, dig deep, and make the changes that need to happen. Your work is too important not to do that. I believe that creative energy will save us all, but only if we lift up all of the voices in our communities.
Black lives matter. My friends, I see you. I stand with you. I support you. I’ll do better.
I'll send the workbook to you as soon as you sign up!