TAKE UP SPACE!

    I was reading a post last night that mentioned the upcoming nationwide silent protests.  I have also seen various media outlets where the hosts discussed next strategic steps for Black people.  Then I was reminded of what many Black women decided after the election. We are resting!  For centuries, Black women have had to figure out how to “make a way out of no way”.  We had to find ways to not only survive through the cruelties of life, but to thrive so that future generations could be guided by our light.

    In the last few days, I have spoken with Black women who are just trying to make sense of the current political climate. We KNEW what saying yes to this current administration would cost us and this country, yet so many people chose not to listen.  The religious right got so caught up on the issue of abortion rights, which we know was a foil to distract us from the real issue…human rights for people of color.  I listened and watched in horror as Black preachers endorsed this administration solely on the basis of abortion and the discussion of whether or not it was moral.  They cheered as legislation was overturned that gave women a choice to handle their own bodies. They quoted the 10 commandments “thou shall not kill”, trying to determine when a fetus was considered a human, but easily overlook the grown ass men and women who have been gunned down in the streets or are currently sitting on death row waiting to be killed.  Y’all were duped and now we’re here!!!  The last time I checked, God gave us free will and Jesus never isolated anyone because of their choices.  Jesus loved them through their individual choices and then went to die in our place.  Jesus sacrificed himself; he didn’t sacrifice others so he could gain power or get glory. So “what would Jesus do?”....not this!

But I didn’t come here to argue the various political points or comb through scripture, I came to encourage you to TAKE UP SPACE. 

I admit that I have not been watching the cable and TV outlets that I used to watch because I am deliberately protecting my peace.  I do, however, listen to Urbanview on Sirius XM, catch highlights of The View, Roland Martin, and the Scholarship College Mama just to stay slightly aware of what’s going on in the world. I refuse to be swallowed up in the minutiae of idiocy from this administration.  Yet, I am keenly aware that so many, especially government workers, must stay on top of the news because their livelihood is at stake.  But just like I told a dear sister two days ago, turn that damn laptop off at 5pm.  There is no need to continue working until 7 or 8 o’clock at night, missing dinner and time with your family, just to respond to one more email. That email will be there at 8 am and you probably won’t have all of the information to answer the questions that need to be addressed anyway, so log off now.  I am glad to report that yesterday, she clocked out and decided to TAKE UP SPACE by the fireplace with her husband by 5:30pm.  One tiny step towards protecting her peace. (Girl, you made Mama proud!) 

So, I was lying awake in the bed in the middle of the night, after letting our new puppy outside for a potty break and I decided to find an audiobook that would uplift and enlighten me.  I ran across the book “The Abolitionists” with Kellie Carter Jackson. The book opens by highlighting the various roles of abolitionists.  They were not all the same!  Yes, we know the familiar names like Harriett and Douglas, but there were so many other individuals who lent their voice, expertise, and their particular slant towards freedom.  Abolitionists were working before Africans were even brought to the Americas.  Any act of #resistance was the work of an abolitionist!  This got me thinking back to what I heard Tamika Mallory mention on the Karen Hunter show the other day.  When she was forced into the spotlight, due to tragedy,  Rev. Al Sharpton cheered her on and encouraged her to do HER work, while he continued with his own work.  He encouraged her to act on behalf of the people according to her slant and perspective.  In both of these instances, I was reminded that I, too, have a perspective that is specifically mine to share.  I too am an abolitionist, lending my ear towards resistance and freedom.  When I choose JOY, I have decided to TAKE UP SPACE in the world to be a light to someone overcome by darkness. Whether I decide to boycott or participate in silent protests, this Black woman has decided to share my Joy. I used to always say, “don’t play small”, but today my spirit wants to encourage you to TAKE UP SPACE in your individual communities.

    Taking up space is a form of abolition work and resistance because it catapults you into action. Taking up space does not allow you to wallow in the fear of the uncontrollable, but rather forces you to handle that which is under your control…your actions and emotions.

Let me break it down for you.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE and write a blog or an article to educate readers.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE  and write a grant that will help fund projects in your community.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE  and contribute to the local newspaper in the opinion column.

If you like to cook, TAKE UP SPACE and cook a meal for your family and take a leftover container to the unhoused person that you pass on the corner everyday. 

If you like to bake, TAKE UP SPACE and bake little treats for the Seniors in your apartment complex or neighborhood.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE and encourage someone by preaching or teaching, not just how to get to heaven but how to live & love abundantly while here on Earth.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE by calling someone to give them a word of encouragement.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE and record informative shorts or reels on social media.

If you like to sing, TAKE UP SPACE and learn the Black National Anthem, along with songs of freedom and sing them to your children or grandchildren.

If you like to read, TAKE UP SPACE and read to students at the local school or church.

If you like to read, TAKE UP SPACE so you can educate and advocate.

If you like to dance, TAKE UP SPACE and choreograph a song to abolitionists’ words.

If you like to dance, TAKE UP SPACE by turning the music up loud and dancing in your living room.

If you like accounting, TAKE UP SPACE  and offer a budgeting course at your local church or organization.

If you like to plan, TAKE UP SPACE and plan an event centered around Black joy.

If you like to solve things, TAKE UP SPACE and volunteer your services to a school, church or organization who might need assistance. (No more complaining about them, it’s time to help.)

If you like to take pictures, TAKE UP SPACE and photograph things that bring you joy, then share it with a friend to make them smile.

    We each have a gift to be shared with the world, so TAKE UP SPACE  and claim your spot in the field of abolitionists.   We are not monolithic, so each of us has a voice to lend towards freedom. It’s time to break free from the negative thoughts that have kept us bound.  It’s time to break free from the self-limiting mantras that prevent us from advancing. It’s time to break free from generational curses of lack. It’s time to TAKE UP SPACE and share your joy!

Now walk it out...