hope and Light
Shared Hope and Light
In light, there is hope. And, where there is hope, there is light. The light coming into this wonky bouquet represents the hope I feel for our shared future in America. This post is not about politics but is about humanitarianism. The ten embedded dates in this painting represent some of the dates I perceive are important in the history of Black Americans. I believe America made huge progress in the 1960’s and steady progress since then but reverted during the last decade or so. I believe we are far short of a goal of equality under the law and in our society writ large. Thus, the shared hope.
I’m reminded of the quote from one of my favorite contemporary media personalities, Joy Reid. She says, “The work of anti-racism can only take place inside each individual soul, where we all try to grow into better people.” I love this because, for me, it sums up what we all want. Most of us spend our lives trying to grow into better people. I know that’s my journey. I also know that we all face the same storms but we are not all in the same boat. That has become more clear to me over the last several years and it makes my heart hurt. Our country has not faced racism head-on and we all struggle because of the inequities that result. My readings over the last few years have informed a greater, deeper understanding of those inequities. The question about what to do about this and how to address the clear issues goes into the realms of political and policy and reform, etc. – way too much for my little story.
My painting is my attempt at acknowledgment and my hope for future open dialogue and self-awareness and kindness and love. For some that may sound trite but I think it has to start simply and there is nothing simpler than kindness toward others. Having said that, I also will state that I am angry about our current state of racism and I want to see change now. Like John Lewis, I do not want to wait and I don’t see any reason why any of this is difficult. I also know that the world we live in makes change hard and the climb long and slow. John Lewis is a hero to me and I sometimes wonder how he could have abided everything he went through with a heart full of love. He did not want to wait but he never took his eye off the prize. He believed MLK’s maxim about the arc of the moral universe being long but bending toward justice. He believed and he fought and, when he needed to be, he was patient. He never faltered or changed. He knew we had to keep working and he believed in a better future for all. He understood the need. My painting is, again, my acknowledgment of that need and also that yearning for a more equitable, fair America.
We lost so many good people in 2020, including two of my personal heroes, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and John Lewis. Their words inspire me as we move into a new year of shared hope and shared light.
“Real and enduring change happens one step at a time.” RBG
“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone – any person or any force – dampen, dim or diminish your light … Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.” John Lewis
Embedded dates:
1619 – first slave ship arrives in America
1863 – Emancipation Proclamation
1865 – 13th Amendment
1868 – 14th Amendment
1870 – 15th Amendment
1920 – 19th Amendment
1954 – Brown v. Board of Education
1964 – Civil Rights Act
1965 – Voting Rights Act
2008 – President Obama elected