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I know personally what it's like to be assaulted for brashly
declaring your political views and to be criticized for it
in the media. It’s difficult to say the least. I pray for
her healing inside and out.) These moments make it
abundantly clear why protesting at this point in our
nation's history is still so necessary. Publicly declaring
that oppression will not be tolerated demonstrates our
collective voice and power. In the times between elections
this puts those in power on notice and let's those on the
sideline know if they get involved they aren't alone.
▪Internalized oppression and self hate have become very sad
things for me to see. Women (mostly white women) holding a
misogynist, like Trump, in high regard is wild. Seeing black
folks and other minorities jump through mental gymnastics to
justify standing with someone who embraces bigotry is just
sad.
▪The talking point that protesters don't have a job has got
to go! I work full time and still manage to accomplish a
hell of a lot of organizing tasks while juggling my family,
work and personal life. It's difficult but it can be done.
▪Direct action protesting is a young person's game. I'm 35
and exhausted, but I saw so many boomers show up in full
force today. I absolutely love how boomers are redefining
what it means to age gracefully. At the same time, I'm
beginning to reach the age where there is a generation
younger than me coming into adulthood and I love their
energy. This younger generation really understands how to
deal with bullies in a way I think previous generations did
not. It was beautiful to experience my cousin, Miracle Burt,
on the front lines with me.
▪There were some noteworthy absences from activists I
would've liked to have seen today. At a different time in my
life that would've bothered me but today it honestly
doesn't. You never know what someone needs to do for himself
and his own self care. Today I see the value of falling back
and respecting folks’ autonomy, for me that shows growth.
▪I was very proud to see Toledo City Councilman Nick Komives
show up to the protest. He was the only elected official I
saw out there. Nick’s presence demonstrates he is still
actively connected with grassroots organizers and that's
important. I was told that Ohio State Senator Teresa Fedor
was also in attendance. It was also great was how many
candidates who have recently run or are currently running
show up, such as Reem Subei, Nick Rubando, Mike Xavier
Carrigan, Carrie Russell Hartman and Nancy Larson. I highly
encourage you to vote for these people in the future.
▪There were so many other organizers and friends I haven't
seen in a while (too many to list) that I was so happy to
see. But I want to give a special shout out to my CSRN,
Community Solidarity Response Network, family. Dominique
Wade held it down with the livestream early on, which I
really needed help with because my hands were full. Later on
as I began to get tired and when we were surrounded by Trump
supporters, and it was getting tense, Jodie L Summers
reassured me of my safety in the clutch. Also, Brother
Washington Muhammad imparted consistent nuggets of wisdom
encouraging to remain mentally healthy by reminding me
what-ever actions I take to keep my family responsibilities
at the forefront of my mind.
▪I have been sometimes critical of the Toledo Police
Department and, as a general rule I don't like police at
protests at all. But the Toledo Police Department
collectively did a good job all day from what I could see.
Sometimes activism requires agitation walking up to the line
and crossing the line to dramatize a political point. I
imagine at times it must be difficult as a law enforcement
officer to stay impartial and professional or exercise
restraint when people are deliberately agitating.
When I was being escorted out of the Trump supporters watch
party for yelling "Peace! No War!" as Trump began speaking,
I think the officers remained impartial and professional.
When the Trump rally was over and about 150 protesters were
left and surrounded by about 1,000 rabid Trump supporters,
the officers allowed space for agitation but remained
impartial, professional and kept the situation from
escalating. While I realize the officers were just doing
their job, people show up at all types of jobs every day and
don't do them well. I appreciate a job well done by TPD
yesterday.
▪Lastly, let's make sure energy poured into yesterday isn't
just a moment. I challenge us to continue to maintain our
energy and channel that energy into the election booths, the
census and building a transformative movement that will
improve our communities. 2020 is just getting started let's
make this year count and make history.
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