AM I NEXT? - #BLACKLIVESMATTER
“This specific ontology of subjectivity, which defines the entire human experience as a result of brain chemistry, is a singular, restrictive and reductive understanding of all the ways in which humans and their subjectivity can be understood. This reduction serves a specific political function. That is, it keeps those who are oppressed inward looking and forecloses knowledge of the dominant class as they exert enough force to contribute to extensive suffering and mental illness in the oppressed.”
- Dr. Eric Greene; The Mental Health Industrial Complex: A Study in Three Cases. Journal of Humanistic Psychology
Is it considered revisiting when it’s a constant reoccurring cycle? - This quote & picture was the start of a collective of events, ideas, programs at work revolving around Black Mental Health. Looking back at it now, I’m reminded, not just of this particular topic but how its translated over time and is still relevant. We STILL must protect our mental health. We STILL have to wonder and question so many things; even in a pandemic - which in itself has vastly effected a majority of minorities and those in Black and Brown Communities.
Here we are. Another police shooting or assault or misconduct. I’ve lost count. I don’t know what we’re calling it anymore. I’m tired. We talked about it then. We talked it last week. We’re talking about it now.
George Floyd
Kenneth Walker
Breona Taylor
Sean Reed
Ahmaud Arbery
Steve Taylor
It hasn’t stopped. This list continues to grow. And its not even including what hasn’t received media attention. But when will the list be long enough. For action. For change. or will we talk again next week?
Reframing The Narrative of The Black Experience
Echoes of the notion can constantly play when thinking of the Black experience in the workplace, in education or in everyday life. Sort of a reminder to one's self to mentally prepare for recurring situations in the real world.
In order to succeed, you need to be twice as good, twice as smart, twice as dependable, twice as talented...
How can we restructure a system and change preconceived notions that overshadow who we are and the talent we possess in the workplace?