Music by Rae Khalil.
Hello World,
It is me, Akunna.
I restarted this article hundreds of times in my head before restarting it several times on the screen in front of me. I began to type these words last week. I began to type these words even the week before last week.
…But nothing seemed to sound right. Nothing seemed to sound right.
I am a black woman.
I am a black artist. My words are my medium and my writing is my form of expression which I use to amplify black voices.
Nearly Over a month has passed since I published any writing.
I tried to write, but nothing seemed to sound right.
I tried to write, but nothing seemed more important than the movement at hand. It took me quite some time, but I’ve come to a realization.
My mere existence is proof that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Again:
My mere existence is proof that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
If I stop writing, my community will lose a voice.
And if you ask me, my community has lost way too many voices already.
So, the question is not:
“To Write, Or Not To Write?”
The question will likely never be that.
Trust, We Out Here.
As my colleague Mac Smiff is using his voice on and off the streets, speaking with and for our community out in Oregon, I will hold down the fort virtually, from Washington. We are both writing history, literally and figuratively.
And our voices will be heard, one way and another.
All we ask is for your genuine support. Amplify our voices as we amplify the voices within our communities. Comment, ask questions, make suggestions, engage, and share.
Thank you World.
With love,
– A/A