Embracing Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection
In many respects, 2023 has been a tumultuous year. The war in the Ukraine has continued and another war in the Middle East has been rekindled. In both instances, we have witnessed the tragic loss of countless innocent lives and the dramatic and permanent scarring of the lives of millions. Closer to home, as we entered the post-COVID era, we are experiencing unsurprising setbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and political and economic landscapes around the globe teeter on uncertainty.
Nevertheless, as Thanksgiving approaches, it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation. Even in the midst of our pain, sorrow, and uncertainty, we must take a moment to take a deep breath and acknowledge our blessings. A moment to appreciate our personal strengths, individual accomplishments, and indomitable resilience. We are thankful for the lessons, experiences, and challenges that have contributed to the personal development and spiritual growth of each of us, and embrace the opportunity to continually evolve and expand our horizons.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of togetherness. An opportunity to cherish the bonds with family, friends, and colleagues that uplift, support, and bring joy by acknowledging the people who make our life’s journey meaningful. Don’t be afraid to let them know how much you appreciate them.
In today’s world, kindness can often be overshadowed and undervalued. Let's reflect on the acts of generosity, compassion, and love that have impacted us throughout the year, and pledge to be kinder and gentler in the days, weeks, and years to come.
As we embark upon our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us. Take a moment to marvel at the wonders of nature— the cool breeze of autumn, the colorful falling leaves, the beauty of undulating landscapes, and the serenity it brings. Remember – you are nature’s greatest creation. That's plenty to be thankful for!
As we gather with family and friends during this holiday season, let's also gather our thoughts and hearts in gratitude. In practicing gratitude, we open ourselves to a world of positivity, joy, and interconnectedness. This Thanksgiving, Chrysalis Lab prays that gratitude will be the centerpiece of our celebrations, guiding us toward a future filled with greater appreciation and compassion for all.
Moving Beyond Hope by Casting More Black Votes
“We have to build our own power. We have to win every single political office we can, where we have a majority of Black people…”
-- Fannie Lou Hamer
This month, another election cycle ensues. Voting is unequivocally the most essential civic duty and holds particular importance for Black people in the United States. Voting provides Black people with the power to influence the direction of our communities. By participating in elections, we can elect representatives who share our values and address our concerns.
At its core, voting equates to exercising power and allocating resources. Elected officials determine how our tax dollars are spent, which directly affects our daily lives. By electing individuals who prioritize our interests and champion initiatives that support our well-being, we ensure our tax dollars benefit our families and communities. Abstaining from voting essentially endorses those who may not share our values.
It’s not enough for Black people to say we care about our communities. We must prepare ourselves to fight for and advocate in all ways possible for the issues that impact our well-being, especially those associated with ensuring fairness in our voting rights. Ultimately, our vote is the arbiter of whether our interests are genuinely valued and respected in this country.
Participating in the electoral process is just as important today as it was prior to and during the Civil Rights era. The recent and widespread changes to voting practices, redistricting, and voter identification laws are designed to suppress voters of color and silence our collective voices The number of eligible Black voters in the United States, now nearly 33 million, has been growing. Yet, racism remains a persistent thread in American culture, consistently working to deny and dilute the influence and power of Black people.
No one gets the right to vote because they ask for it. People get the right to vote because they organize themselves, one community at a time. The struggle is ongoing, as the structures of power continually attempt to deny Black Americans their right to vote, all under the guise of the law. As Frederick Douglass said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will.”
Efforts to deny Black people the right to vote and/or to steal their votes is constant and pervading. A recent study by the Democratic Party of Virginia reveals a concerning trend: mail-in ballots from Black voters are flagged for rejection at a significantly higher rate than those from white voters. Presently, 4.8% of Black voters' ballots are flagged, while only 2.8% of white voters' ballots face the same fate. In Richmond, city officials flag more than 11% of ballots from Black voters, compared to about 5.5% of those from white voters. The rejection rate for Black voters remains more than twice as high as that for white voters.
In the face of pervasive white supremacy, Black Americans are in for a long and arduous struggle. Our unwavering commitment to constituting a genuine democracy in America has remained a constant throughout our history in this country. Now more than ever, African Americans must use every means at our disposal to avenge our enslaved ancestors, including exercising our right to vote. We must vote for people who have our best interests in mind. We must vote for issues that advance the well-being of our families and communities. We must vote because we’re empowered to do so as full American citizens. We can’t expect to win every election, but if we don’t vote, we will most assuredly lose.