This post was supposed to be describing what my first week as the new Berkshires Macaroni Kid publisher was like, and it looked much different than what you are about to read. This week's articles were all scheduled and the newsletter was ready to go out. And then Wednesday, January 6th happened.
What began as a hopeful day for some, quickly descended into shameful violence, bigoted cowardice, and an appalling act of domestic terrorism wrought on our Capitol. It shook us all to our core, watching our values as a country stripped down into chaos.
I woke up this morning not feeling comfortable with business as usual. The day-to-day of this site is insignificant in comparison to what we all witnessed yesterday. We are waking up wondering what to tell our children, what to teach our students, and how to comfort and reassure ourselves and one another.
I don't have answers to these questions. 2020 has been one punch after another and we're all teetering on the brink. But while I was watching the news, journalist Van Jones said something that stuck with me and I wanted to share it here:
"Some things you have to see to believe – like what we saw today at the Capitol. But there are also things you gotta BELIEVE in order to SEE. I believe breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs if you use them right. Maybe, just maybe, THIS MUCH disunity could open the door for unity."
It is up to us to use this moment right.
Today I will hug my children. I will do my best to explain racism and hatred. I will encourage them to spread love in all things. I will recommit my voice and my actions to being a force for good. I will keep seeking out avenues of truth, light, and compassion. I will amplify voices working to effect positive change. I will stay ready to listen, learn, and re-learn the history of the biases and prejudices that are deeply rooted in this country's soil. Today I will breathe deeply, and dig deep for hope and courage.
I encourage you to reach out to local Berkshire organizations like Multicultural BRIDGE, Berkshire NAACP, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Women of Color Giving Circle, and others for actionable ways to advocate for racial justice and equity. I am proud to be part of the Macaroni Kid family who continues to reaffirm its strong stance on diversity, equity, & inclusion.
Nelson Mandela once said, "May our choices reflect our hopes, not our fears." and in 2021, let us all choose hope.
Onwards with love,
Taylor
