3 Up
1. Black Lives Matters Movement - I feel like, for the first time, BLM is being understood for its mission and purpose. In the past, it was constantly placed a position of opposition or rivaling two other "moments" by the result of its existence in "Blue Lives Matter" and "All Lives Matter", which was a bit unfair, and very annoying. While in some ways that is still the case, the movement has moved forward this week what surely is an interesting time in our nation's history.
2. (White) Privilege - In all of my years of studying education inequality and for the most part, directing the mess that is equality in America, I would have never thought that "White Privilege" would be in the "Up" section of the SSR. But here we are. Kudos to the many white people out there who have taken the time to show empathy, to understand the privilege their skin gives them, and the insight into the life that happens for those who don't have that skin. Education and empathy help us all - keep educating yourselves, and each other.
3. Killer Mike Speech - For an impromptu speech, especially among the many given by famous celebrities and figures this week, Killer Mike's shines through. He knows his stuff, and his call to strategize and mobilize is that that is needed to be heard. For me, what was even more awesome is that Mike carries the stigma all rappers do, yet, you learn of his law enforcement family, and of course, his power and passion for social change.
3A. Denzel Washington - Speaking of famous figures, give it up to Denzel Washington for his actions this week of decelerating what could have been another situation, and really, just being a good person - an overall good dude. When talking about privilege, he has it and used it for good.
3 Down
1. Death of George Floyd - Obvious, no?
2. BLM Posers - This may sound crazy, but it's not the looting and rioting that bothers me. We act horrified by these actions as a society, yet don does not bat an eye when the same is done after sports championships in a city. Nonetheless, what bothers me is the underlying groups that are ripping the narrative away from this movement for change, and of course, those who get their angle to hold onto in order to remain in opposition (for personal or political reasons). Beware of the individual focused on looting and rioting and not the issue at hand - an unjust system that works only for a few.
3. Presidential Leadership - In no means am I trying to be biased or push political agenda here - but where is our President? If there is any time the nation needs to hear from our leadership, it is now. And no, Tweets do not count.
1 Uhhh...What?!
1. COVID-19 - Is it me, or did last week feel like the Coronavirus wasn't a thing anymore? Continue to be safe, everyone. It's not over.