Dearly Beloved,
I needed a minute.
I needed a minute to pause, breathe and be. To be with myself, my thoughts and my family. This week has been tough. Politics are personal – and we know the decisions up and down the Nov 5 ballot will affect us for years to come. I have been sitting with my disappointment, anger and hope for the future (because all these can exist).
Now more than ever, the work we do at I Be Black Girl and within the reproductive justice movement is integral to building a just society now and for the future. We have to build the infrastructure, leadership and resources of our community so we can manage the highs and lows.
So what now? For my folks that have identities and lived experiences directly impacted by political decisions this week – don’t do a damn thing. You deserve to not have this fight at the consequence of you.
So rest. Rest and repair so you can tap back in when you’re ready.
For the allies of the movement – I need you to be a co-conspirator. An ally shows up and supports. That’s nice and all but not what we need. I need someone in the trenches with me. Who is willing to lose it all with and on behalf of me.
The future generations, our children, nieces, nephews, and young people in our lives deserve so much more than what we give them. So let’s chart a new course for them that is rooted in responding to oppression but rather what we dream and want for them.
This is the path forward for our organization and me, and we hope you will join us.
Ase,
Ashlei Spivey (Founder and Executive Director)
