VOICES: NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS BY JESSICA PERGERSON

Never in a million years would I have ever imagined that I would actively and whole-heartedly become a revolutionary, determined to be heard, and making such a stand alongside so many others in the year 2020.

Making a stand for equality and justice for all, but especially for our Black community. Emotionally it has had me all over the place. And spiritually, it has me praying without ceasing.

My heart has been very heavy and broken for our Black community, especially for our Black men and youth. Do not get me wrong, I haven’t forgotten for one second that our (Black) women have been, and continue to be, affected by hate and injustice as well. However, our Black men and youth are under attack!

The racial issues and injustices that so many have turned a blind eye to are very much alive in our communities. The racial profiling, the universal hate, the police brutality, has surpassed at an all-time high. And this has gone on for far too long, without any response. It has to stop! The system has to be totally dismantled! It’s past time for those who are acting in such a hateful way to not only see that their actions are not supported but to be held accountable. Change is needed. Change is demanded. And it starts with us. 

This where all the protesting and activism comes in to play. We have taken to the streets: all walks of life and religions. We demand to be heard! We are lifting our voices in unity, and we are serving as voices for those who have lost their voice and can no longer be heard. It’s our responsibility to make a stand! Just as our ancestors did for us years ago. Our time is now to be the light and to lead the way. Lift every voice.

While I do not loot or damage property as a form of my protest, I understand. Protest has its own language, its own voice. It’s a way for us to be heard because we have been silenced for too long. I’m mad as hell too! We deserve to be treated equally and shown the same respect. Black lives should be recognized and valued in the same manner as everyone else. One nation under God.

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. Our community has been viciously attacked simply because of the color of our skin! I am a mother, and an aunt, I don’t want this life for my babies. I don’t wish this fear on anyone. The fear of wondering if my loved ones will make it home just from jogging in a neighborhood, to a simple traffic stop. It Isn’t right. And that’s why I march – and will continue to do so until it’s equal and justice for all.

We never should have been forced to struggle in silence. We never should have been made to feel less than or to fear anyone. Black lives matter! Enough is enough!

It’s time for change. It’s time for healing. 

We can’t just speak about peace. We must work at it together as one community, as one nation.

Change will come! It has already started. Though we still have a long way to go, we have proven that we are stronger and more powerful when we all stand together!