A Letter to Humankind

The echoes of our voices have started a revolution

And now ecstatic prophecies ascend of a new world for humankind

The new world echos of true liberation

A new world where we are revived and alive

Its equation is quite simple

This world is full of expression and is courageous

It is free from invasion and oppression

It is not perfect but is human

Do not mistake this movement as an occasion

With the victory of Joe Biden, many people have celebrated big, as they should, but with celebration has arrived glorification. Glorifying a world leader because many have attached their 4 years of anxiety and turmoil to the savior white complex of the newly elected president. However, many people forget that the turmoil they endured under the white supremacy of Trump; is the exact feeling BIPOC have endured for their entire lives. My goal for 2021 is not new years resolution, but rather keeping myself accountable to continuing my part in this movement.

Whether it means us continuing to scream Black Lives Matter during protests or helping collect donations for our homeless neighbors or holding phone banks to contact our local representatives or simply making a donation of ten dollars to a GoFundMe. I write these statements with us and our instead of me because continuing this movement means doing it collectively as a community. Investing in each other and helping each other because we genuinely want the best for one another.

Choosing kindness, not because of a savior complex but because it is the world we hope to live in. We cannot consciously sleep happily in our beds knowing there are thousands in the state with no shelter or food. We cannot ignore and turn a blind eye to the modern-day lynching of Black people. We cannot ignore the prejudice that Mexican and People of Color face daily. We cannot continue to support this capitalist system that values profit over human lives. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the dangers and consequences of our violent oppressing institutions that make the system we live in.

We understand that this is a long fight that we may not live to see the end but we fight because it is what is human. We march because we are human and know empathy. We believe in the fundamental human rights that should be in place from the simple fact that we were born. We believe no human should be hungry, no human should decide between their health and the food placed at their dinner table. No human should have to lie about which neighborhood they live in, to have a proper education. No child should be separated from their family. No human being should have to accept poverty and violence as their life sentence.

We march, protest, share petitions, volunteer in mutual aid, and believe in investing in the community. It is a tiresome battle; the simple fact of being aware and informed of everything can be overwhelming on its own. When I feel defeated and hopeless, I return to this community, and I'm reminded that I am not fighting alone. I am reminded that thousands believe in the same world that I do. I am reminded of what humanity is.

We believe in the kindness that should be human nature. So I write to you and myself to remind us that we cannot go back to what was once normal. We cannot go back to being ignorant. I write to you reminding us to invest in our communities. I got your back, and you got mine. Remember to take a break if you need it. Your wellness means everything to this movement. It is tiresome to constantly be consuming this oppressing information. So, please take care of yourself, and we’ll see you when you come back. If you are new but want to join, find a local mutual aid group and ask how you can help. We would love to have you on our side.

Our voices have echoed, and they will not be forgotten

Our marches have left imprints for the new world to remember

We may be far from this new world but we have hope

In my short 19-year-old life, I have stuck to some new Year resolutions. As well as forgotten some, but this feels like a good goal to stick to especially now that I am entering the adulting stage of my life. It brings me comfort and hope for my future and for the future generations to come.

Sincerely with love and virtual hugs,

Your Human Friend