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A note from Team Malinda
🕑 Added 2020-06-02 21:52:27 +0000 UTCHello my sweet and wonderful patrons.
First of all, how are you? Have you had enough water to drink today? Did you take a break from the screen for a bit? I hope all of you are taking care of yourselves.
You may have noticed my postings about the Black Lives Matter movement on my social media. I wanted to ensure that everyone on Patreon is aware that Team Malinda is FULLY in support of the movement. African Americans in the United States for too long have had their daily lives and movements endangered at the hands of the police, and their calls for help have for too long been ignored. The time for meaningful change has long past, but as history tells us, this is the tipping point.
If your response to hearing this from me is "all lives matter!" I will be making an instagram video about this shortly. Here's the thing: I HAD THE SAME INITIAL RESPONSE to the BLM movement when it first began! In short, we are not saying that all lives don't matter. That is an inherent truth instilled in any good human. However our policing, governmental, economic and justice systems were not built to respect that, historically or currently. We are operating in a country that is specifically oppressing the voices, dreams and lives of our Black communities. If all lives truly do matter we need to act like it and make that our reality. To do that we must focus our time, resources and microphones on the lives of those who are in trouble. We cannot have equality if we don't have equity. That is why we now say "black lives matter."
If this entire conversation is new to you, don't worry! Welcome, come catch up with us!
What we are doing here at Team Malinda and you can do it, too (even if you're not in the USA):
-YIELDING to the voices that need to be loudest. I will not be posting content again until late next week and I won't be releasing a single this month.
-DONATING to your local bail fund and other support organizations in your city.
-EDUCATING (resources down below) and taking the burden off of people on the front lines by having important conversations with people who need to catch up.
-REFLECTING and identifying the sources of internalized and systematic racism in our own lives and upbringings. Normalize the idea that you can change your opinion when you receive new information and that holding a prior opinion does not make you a bad person. Humbly moving forward with a new understanding and no defenses means you're listening.
-AMPLIFYING by creating social media campaigns around black voices and creative expression (music, film, podcasts) not just now, but moving forward. I'm currently drafting an Instagram Live series that could turn into a video series.
-MOBILIZING where we are able. I am with my parents in DC right now so I'm not willing to go protest for fear of bringing COVID home to them, but if you are in a city where there are demonstrations and you have a car go to your local grocery store, pick up a few water bottles, snacks and other useful items and have them on hand. Text your friends who are protesting and let them know you are able to drive supplies down when they are needed. This is a socially distanced way of participating directly.
-HEAL wow this is a really important one. This movement is not about any of us individually, but within your inner circle be compassionate towards the fear, weight and seismic shifts everyone is experiencing. Be fragile together. It's the only way we can do the work we need to do.
-LOVE fiercely. I'm approaching every conversation I am having with so much love, because that is my way. But that's not a soft approach. It's a fierce one.
The low-flying helicopters that shake my window panes at night, the sirens and the flashbangs I hear, the smoke I can smell in the air, it's all unsettling. But my family and I are safe, and we are using that very privilege to do what is needed. This is not about me. This is not about Team Malinda.
This is so much bigger.
I'll post below some basic links and articles l that I've found helpful. And if you want to have a specific conversation with me, my DMs on Patreon are open, though I am no authority on the subject. I might be slow to respond but I will. And this rule is reflected on our Discord- if you are unable to open yourself to constructive conversation and instead meet us with words of bigotry or hatred, you will be removed from the conversation because our priority is to protect and sanction those who desperately need to feel safe right now.
So much love to everyone. Take care of yourselves, take breaks, but don't disengage. Sending love and light to you all.
xxMKR
A fabulous place to start if you want to learn more: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/preview?pru=AAABcnX07hc*Pm8gUUGqTq4TxCwAWKNadg&fbclid=IwAR0U-viPeOp9heehJEjuzZYkPPfNFoPhITKIF7Cdfqoi464QWpInzUkHyi0
An article detailing why "all lives matter" is not a productive phrase at this time: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a27075028/black-lives-matter-explained/
A great playlist by John Green to learn more about the history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBFYQu1ZYD0&list=PLMs_JcuNozJb9oaX6KT1l_-T7tZuVU_9X
An heartbreaking essay by Clint Smith: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/06/becoming-a-parent-in-the-age-of-black-lives-matter/612448/
To donate to: National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory
Comments
Mike H Nichols
You are a wonderful and joyful person to watch. You talent is like no other. I appreciate you and hope to call you a friend from afar
Jaely
While we do believe in the movement of BLM, my lover and I (who is black) both agree that our resources have been for years and should still remain with the Gay youths of America. While Black lives have people screaming for their equality on the tv, and major celebrities all over the world call out for change in the quality of living conditions for those of African decent here in America. Roughly 50% of all homeless young people in America identify as LGBTQ+ and considering the LGBTQ+ Youth in America only make up an estimated 7% of our population, that is some staggering distressing statistics. Though our community won our right to marriage, it did nothing to quell bigotry and ignorance against the LGBTQ+ community leaving the youth in the community the most vulnerable in our own fight for equality, only we rarely ever see people on tv or the news shouting that our lives matter, that the lives of the LGBTQ+ youth matter. So as much as we would love to take up arms (volunteer our resources) and devote ourselves towards this very worthy cause, because it is extremely worthy, someone must still stay the course over on this end of the war for equality for all. For one day we will all meet up in the middle, United with one voice and finally be heard.
Stefan "MaskinJunior" Ivarsson
I am in the "All life matters"-camp but I am from a Swedish point of view, so in Sweden the BLM-movement is quite ridiculous. Mostly because of the factors that 1. all black people in Sweden has come here out of their free will to migrate here, and our open hearts to let them in. and 2. we already has strong and enforced anti-discrimination laws. and 3. Swedish police rarely kill people of any color, especially compared to the US. (on average Swedish police fire their firearm to disable 15 time per year, out of 1,4 million calls. or to police 10 million people.)
Micah
Brilliantly said! I unfortunately know people who insist "All lives matter" trumps "Black lives matter" because it is true that all lives matter. What they don't get is that isn't being disagreed with. Both sides claim to agree that all lives matter. The BLM side is just trying to point out that the lives of minorities are being treated as though they don't matter as much (if at all) as those of white people.
Audrey
Y’all stay safe please :) Malinda, thank you for spreading this message
Frank DeMarco
Wonderfully worded, Malinda! Nothing personal, but I'm glad you didn't use Google Translate on this one. :-) I've just upped my support level a bit. Thanks for speaking so beautifully about our current reality. Best of Health, Luck and LOVE ! - Frank and Marilyn
Christian McGuire
Hello after hearing the news I was very worried about you and your family I hope your safe.
Pat Patterson
Peace be on your household! Richard Holman is a Georgia State Patrolman; I first met him when he was still in the womb. I've watched him grow up, as a good-hearted, service-oriented young human being. Just as his two brothers did, he served a hitch in the US Army after high school. and for the past week, he has been serving in downtown Atlanta. Here's what he wrote a few days ago; I hope you will take the time to read this. He is right on the money. Richard Holman May 31 at 6:20 PM · I’ve been pondering the “right” way to put this, but if I keep thinking about it then it’ll never be said. The more I grow the more I am able to clearly formulate my own opinions and feeling about the world. I’ve felt a hard press on my heart this week to share these thoughts, and I’ve ignored too many calls from God to not share this one. First of all, hi I’m Richard. I am In law enforcement, and I am proud of the job I do everyday and the department I serve. I love to serve my wife, my church, my friends, my family, and my community. My mission goes beyond getting bad folks off the roads. I strive to dig into my community to bridge a gap that for far too long has been left void. A large part of my job includes listening to people. When I encounter someone I’ve always found that listening to them is a fantastic way to start that conversation. I know what I have to say to people, so I want to know what they have to say to me. I can’t change the past, and I can’t change someone’s perspective. I CAN listen to understand perspective, and pray I leave a better footprint. With that said, the pain that is being expressed in these gatherings is felt. The tears have been seen. Your chants are being heard. It is my obligation as a good man to support and listen to the protest. It is my duty as a Trooper to bridge that gap. I’m speaking out against any man or woman in law enforcement that does not believe that it is our duty to truly serve with love and compassion for each and every person. I have unregrettably apologized to people for the way they have been treated by other law enforcement officers in the past, and will continue to do so. For the last 3 days. I have been in Atlanta. There have been numerous protest with meaning and real passion with real missions taking place. I value your expressions and your mission. I have had conversations with people where I did nothing but listen, and ask more questioned to gain a new perspective. I did this because I needed to understand the best I can. My duty as a Trooper and my obligation as a human is to defend your protest. If harm comes to you I will defend you, and I have seen you defend those on duty. We should begin to value each other as God values us. For me that starts with listening. There are many coming that do not have a real cry. They do not have any words that add value or express pain. They have a mission to cause pain, and to divide even deeper. These are the wolves. They’ve swept into a meaningful expression, and stole the mission from millions of people. I want those that are protesting to know that I see that. I see that your agenda is to bridge the gap just like me. And I will defend you in these streets as the wolves are trying to tear apart what you’ve so desperately needed to say. I love you all, and I’m always here for you."
Rrrose
You rock. Folks can also write their representatives (keep it brief and courteous), and perhaps educate themselves... John Green posted a collection of black history videos in the vlog brothers YT channel. I plan on watching them during the next few days. Also, if you know of local black-owned businesses, give them some support. And those who feel guilty for not being out with the protesters... don’t. There are many ways to support our black brothers and sisters, not all are on the front lines. Malinda, the singing is important too, as weary souls will need the solace and encouragement.
Werrf
I think that the "All lives matter" response comes from a misunderstanding of the meaning. BLM doesn't mean "ONLY Black Lives Matter" or "Black Lives Matter MORE"; it means "Black Lives Matter TOO". And in this climate where black men are too often seen as a threat first, human second, it's an important message.
Cinnder
Well said, Malinda. I have family in DC, so I know from them what things are like just now. Stay safe, and let's all hope that this time things will change!
Becca Notkin
Thank you Malinda.
Brent Dreher
You're down in DC with them? Oh, man.....I hope you're all able to stay safe and that the protests are far enough away that you aren't in immediate danger. Good luck.❤❤❤
Mary Hall Surface
May this be a turning point in American history.
AgVoss
I can’t really go shopping for water bottles and stuff for friends that are protesting because sadly I have no friends in fact this whole cause is completely new to me and I feel completely out of context but I completely cheer on those who are doing what they want to do about this (unless it’s negative of course I only cheer on people who do things positively)
