Justice and Healing

Which images will history capture? Top and bottom left:  August 2014 in Ferguson, MO a peaceful, interracial and interracial candlelight vigil.  Photo by Stephanie Troutman; hashtag #HealSTL. Top and bottom right:  Members of the 1961 Washington Freedom Riders Committee en route from New York City; 1960 Greensboro Lunch Sit-in at the F.W. Woolworth luncheon counter.  source:  Library of Congress

This was the culture

from which I sprang

This was the terror

from which I fled.

—Richard Wright, Black Boy

On the eve of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, scholar, poet and NAACP co-founder W.E.B. DuBois died while he was living in Accra, Ghana.  DuBois had a remarkably long auspicious life.  His seminal work The Souls of Black Folks lives on to inform diaspora mindsets. We live in a time where questions of double-consciousness and the veil continue to be as relevant as the problem of the color line.

New crossroads have emerged where a growing diversity meets increasing inequality over a deeply rooted historical landscape of injustice.   In bearing witness to an unfolding stream of injustice across America this is an undeniable time in our nation.  We are reminded that while much has been accomplished through the Civil Rights era there remains more work ahead for justice and healing in America.

In Ferguson, Michael Brown was laid earlier this week leaving his family, community and a nation to mourn with unanswered questions about our live. A work for justice continues with physical and emotional costs that require a new sustainable, collective strength and resilience enabling forces that can shed light in the darkest of places of our hearts and minds.  

Here are a few suggestions to remain healthier and strong for the days ahead: 

•  Schedule personal time for physical, meditation and/or faith practices.  Healthier nutritional practices can make difference.  Drink water throughout the day.  Get enough sleep.

I have always believed that exercise is the key not only to physical health, but to peace of mind.

                                                       —Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

• Reflect. Take a look in your mirror. Reflection is an informative process that helps establish authenticity.

• Read beyond the pages of social media. Use poetry, essays, stories and books to open your consciousness, critical thought are necessary for growth and development. 

•  Take on creative experiences with art, music, dance and other forms work for good on the heart and mind.  

•  Talk with family and friends about your views with respect, but let your voice be heard. Informed differences in opinions and ideas can improve understanding if we are open.  Ask questions. 

Whatever you do let light and truth be your guide for justice.   Share your insight.