This episode of the blog was to focus on women leaders and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a bigger pandemic that we need to talk about and that is racism.
I need to take a moment to acknowledge the protests that have been taking place across the United States, Canada and the globe.
I have had too many sleepless moments reflecting on this and shedding tears over the images and whats been taking place.
On Friday, I participated in a peaceful march for Black Lives Matter in Toronto. I marched in solidarity and without any pretence to suggest that I can begin to imagine the experience of Black people in Canada, US or anywhere else.
I cannot believe that in the year of 2020 we are still protesting this shit!
I cannot believe that in the year of 2020 we are having a conversation on the value of life for a group of people.
It infuriates me to my very core.
What is even more infuriating are those that are carrying the banner of ‘All Lives Matter,’ and not to suggest that it doesn’t, but for far too long Black Lives have not been part of All Lives.
They have been brutally harassed, oppressed and murdered. And until we recognize that as a fact, and make the necessary changes in our justice system, health care access and the poverty that disproportionately impacts Black communities across the US and Canada, none of us will be free.
We live in a world of laws that is suppose to blindly be executed to treat everyone fairly and without prejudice. If it is not blind to our race, sexuality, religion and any other characteristic that sets us a part, then there will be no order.
When you oppress any group in a society, then that entire society is compromised and it sets precedence and normalizes injustice.
We should never accept the normalization of injustice.
And If we do, then we should accept that we are living the Handmaid’s Tale.
I am heartened by the number of young people, people of every colour and background, and the law enforcement officers who have come out to show their solidarity, and who have knelt down on one knee.
We all need to kneel and remember the lives that were senselessly lost and to pledge that we will not rest until we make the change for a better world; where no human fears for their life when walking down the street, driving along a road, going to the store or bird watching.
There is hope for our future, and the majority of Americans and Canadians agree that the peaceful protests that have been taking place are justifiable. More people than ever before are looking to find solutions and be a part of the change.
These aren’t the civil rights movements of the 1960s where a few took to the streets to share their grief. We all share the grief and we need to do better.
I am hopeful about a future where Black Mothers are free.
Free from the pain, fear and anguish for their Black sons and daughters. I want a world where Black Mothers don’t need to teach their sons the rules of engagement when they are stopped by police. Where the guidelines don’t read as follows: keep both hands on the wheel, maintain eye contact, be respectful, maintain a calm voice, make sure your documentation is accessible, and pray!
This post is dedicated to the mothers, fathers, spouses, children, relatives and friends of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Sean Reed and too many others to mention.
Racism is hard and uncomfortable to talk about but we need to call it out for what it is. We need to have the conversations, and to listen and learn.
One of the signs during the Toronto march read: “It is the privilege to learn about racism than to experience it.”
Do not be silent, as silence is siding with the oppressor.
I will do my part to speak out and ensure the lives that were lost was not in vein.
Black Lives Matter.
Sara Alimardani 