According to the African American Policy Forum website, the Say Her Name campaign was launched in December 2014 by the African American Policy Forum and Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies, under the leadership of Kimberlé Crenshaw.
As the nation battles a public health emergency, prepares for a recession, and is being forced to reckon with the persistence of centuries-old, race-based violence against Black people at the hands of police and vigilantes, Black women continue to be at the leading edge of social progress, showing our nation the way to a more inclusive tomorrow. Yet, despite our service and investment in the greater good, we continue to face excessive force, and be reduced to our sexuality, dismissed and disregarded, as our founder was, by a police officer who told her at 3am, “Maybe you’re unforgettable and that’s why he’s stalking you.”
This man is an agent of the institution that claims to “protect and serve,” a term coined in the 1950s by the Los Angeles Police Department and quickly adopted by departments across the nation. The police are not upholding this credo when it comes to Black women. Too many of us have been violated, assaulted, or murdered. Do we even know all of the names? (Out of respect, we humbly reshare this list). Changes in policy and practice are urgently needed, and this moment presents an opportunity for transformation.
And with all of this going on, we’re still showing up at work. Sisters: take care of yourselves as you continue to lead with grace. We know that—no matter your role—others look to you. We acknowledge the pressure that comes with that visibility and want to remind you that you are not obligated to compromise your own well being in the process of educating those around you. As leaders in your organizations, networks, and neighborhoods during this time, you’re faced with a lot more than the logistics of preparing for quarter-end.
So how are you coping?
Are you supporting white and other non-Black people who are looking to you for answers because you feel you have the emotional capacity to do so? Are you supporting them because you know they don’t even know any other Black people and you want to be helpful? Or simply holding back from going off on them because losing your job just isn’t an option right now, given a recession on the horizon that will hit our communities hardest? Or maybe you’re finding more peace in establishing clear boundaries, communicating that you cannot be present for them in this way, perhaps instead providing a list of resources for them to dig into, which can satisfy your desire to be helpful while also preserving your energy.
We need all of us in this fight. Stay true to yourself as you answer your call.
Resources to share with your white colleagues and others:
Quiet time (5 minutes can be enough for prayer, meditation, contemplation; consistency is key)
Make time to catch up with your girlfriends and others in your support network
Attend a social gathering with social distancing in mind, virtual meditation group, virtual happy hour, virtual cookie cooking party, virtual birthday celebration, or weekly check-in sponsored by a Black women’s group
Stay hydrated.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Take a multivitamin.
Rest and allow your body to restore and repair.
Get outside. Vitamin D is crucial to well being.
Preparing for longer term impacts of COVID-19:
Start building relationships with farmers that you meet at farmer’s markets, or through other connections
Plant vegetables on your patio, porch or outside of your front door.
If you haven’t already, complete the necessary paperwork for free medical services provided by county or local clinics. That way, you will already be in the system if needed during flu season later this year.
If uninsured, explore options for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (lots of entrepreneurs do not have health insurance, this is for YOU, too!) In California the administering agency is Covered California.
Start preparing for the recession by thinking about your situation and possible scenarios and then create a plan
Before you need it, establish relationships with community service resources, let them know your needs so that they can prepare (medical and mental health services, fresh and nonperishable food items)
Seek out ways to further decrease or consolidate expenses with friends, family, or neighbors; if your lease is up, consider all options for the next couple of years
Opt for one less takeout meal a week, every bit helps!
Seek out free financial advice from local resources
