Issue 3: Just a little note.
Better late than never, amirite?
“A safe world, in my opinion, would be one where other humans are not an existent threat. Love and Value would have to fall in line for such a world to exist.” — William Wallace III
Hi Fam,
I wanted to do things a little differently this week and start things off by asking how are you all feeling? How are you all coping during these difficult times?
The last couple of weeks has been rough, to say the least. If Corona and a looming economic recession weren’t enough, racism definitely clocked in over its overtime hours. In the last few weeks alone, we’ve seen and heard that Black people are being disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus, impacted by the looming economic recession, threatened by racist 911 calls over petty matters, and killed by police. Dealing with even one of these instances would be difficult to process, but having to see and experience all of this repeatedly, and in a matter of weeks, is maddening and traumatic.
I am beyond exhausted.
But let me make it clear that being Black is not exhausting at all, white supremacy is. The notion of white supremacy is so deeply embedded in our country’s history and institutions that dismantling it would change the America that we all know. But let’s face it, this country has been trash since the Mayflower arrived. There’s absolutely no doubt that we are witnessing a revolution in real-time, but as we are moving further into the unknown, I am scared as hell.
As someone who has struggled with mental health for years, it is important for me to step back and process what I am feeling. These last few months, however, have not given me the time to process or heal. Reading the news every day doesn’t make it easier either, which brings me to this newsletter. I started Blaxplaining as a way to keep the Black people in my community informed on political and current events in a way that makes sense to everyone. However, in light of recent events and to salvage my mental health, I decided to make just a few changes to the newsletter.
From now on, issues will be released biweekly and focus on current affairs and topics related to the Black diaspora. Each week will focus on a new topic along with recommended reads and major headlines. As much as I love scouring the web for different news stories, I am not a reporter and I do this solely for fun. I may not have the resources to monitor every headline, but I do have the power to make great content.
I sincerely want to thank all of you for subscribing and sharing this newsletter -- it means the absolute world to me. I always look forward to reading your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment, reach out to blaxplaining@gmail.com, or hit me up on Instagram (@tylerrharriss). If you like this post, please click the heart! And if you’re not a subscriber, go ahead and hit that subscribe button!
Below I listed a few relevant reads and places where you can donate to support the protesters demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade.
Recommended Reads
How “Spoon Theory” Can Help You Monitor and Manage Your Wellbeing During Turbulent Times
Policing Slaves Since the 1600s: White Supremacy, Slavery, and Modern U.S. Police Departments
In Clamor to Reopen, Many African Americans Feel Their Safety Is Ignored
There’s One Epidemic We May Never Find a Vaccine for: Fear of Black Men in Public Spaces
Where You Can Support & Donate:
Until June 14th,
Tyler