As I am writing this post, I just finished watching One Night in Miami that depicts one pivotal turning point in the lives for four friends – Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke. So many of the themes from the movie related to racism, race relations, and trying to dehumanize black people are still present today. The movie ended with Sam Cooke singing one of my favorite songs “A Change Gone Come.” That song could be the theme song of what we are experiencing in this country right now.
See, right now in the United States, we are on the precipice of that change. Anytime that change, real change is evident, there will be growing pains; such as the ones we are experiencing now. I know that things seem uncertain and unsettling, but a change is coming. A change is coming where ALL people regardless of the color of their skin, age, native language, socioeconomic status, educational level, etc. will be treated equally, equitably, fairly, and justly. A change is coming where black and brown people will no longer have to prove their worth or humanity, but will be treated as the human beings they are. See, a change is coming and we are experiencing the growing pains of that change.
A change has come for me. I am no longer explaining my blackness to anyone. I am who I am and that’s what it’s going to be. I am no longer concerned about proving my worth or humanity to people who are so stuck in ignorance and hatred and racism that they are hell bent on destroying the country. My change is here and I know who I am and whose I am.
It is time for all of us in this country to stand up for truth and Democracy, not the lies of a stolen election from a man who as president did absolutely nothing to benefit this country. It is time for all of us in this country to challenge the white privilege that has marginalized people of color in this country for far too long and create a more just and perfect union for everyone. It is time for America to fully represent the symbol of freedom and Democracy for all people.
My Change Has Come,
Dr. Daphne
Dr. Daphne King 