Words Of Advice — Hajar

I don’t even know where to start with the state of the world this year. 2020 has been a year of constant loss and suffering for the Black community. Countless events have really brought light to the systemic oppression our community faces, not only in the West, but in our own homeland. It’s so tiring and overwhelming not being able to exist freely. For every win we get it seems like we’re hit with losses that just overshadow it and deplete us of all our hopes and dreams of a better world. I know it has been a long year for all of us. From the death of George Floyd, to the trauma porn of police brutality constantly on our screens to Covid-19 significantly affecting our community and now the events in Africa. Death has been something close to us all. It’s Black History Month yet Africa is bleeding and hurting. What has the world come to? Who do we go to when our own people are oppressing us? When did it become a crime to protest for rights to your own body? Where is it safe for us to exist?!!

I know you’re tired mentally, physically and even spiritually, but we are not going to stop fighting the good fight. You do not need to watch the constant trauma to advocate for the lives being lost. We have become so desensitised to death and it’s not healthy or normal. It’s okay to take a break and log off if it gets too much at times, because you need to protect yourself and protect your space. Yes you may feel guilty that you are sitting on your privilege for not constantly keeping up with the news, but there is always something for you to do whether it be protesting, signing petitions, raising awareness or even educating yourself on what’s going on. Recognise your power and don’t ever doubt the role you play or the impact you have.

Bad news seems to be prevalent and good news seems like it will never arrive, but this is a reminder to not let the pain of 2020 defeat you. Give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel and know that it’s okay to let your guard down. It is okay to let vulnerability take over and ask others for help.

To my Black girls and women: You do not have to sacrifice yourself to fit the narrative of being ‘strong’. If you are hurting, please reach out. We need people more than ever right now. Give yourself grace and time to heal if this year has been hectic. Resting is NOT giving up. It is a part of the process and an act of resistance. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Remember to take in every moment and keep celebrating your wins no matter how small or insignificant you think they are.

This year has been too draining to not seize every moment of Black joy. Share your joy. Share your good moments. Let other people celebrate for you. 2020 is a year for the books, and not for our pain and misery, but for our hope. I believe that tomorrow will always be better, and that our future is not limited to our current climate. May the last few months hold nothing but blessings for us all.

By Hajar, TBTP