“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”

– James Baldwin

“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.”

– Gwendolyn Brooks

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Let’s cut to the chase: the Supreme Court? Bananas. The most recent presidential debate? Bananas. Instagram comment sections? BANANAS!!!

If we’re gonna make it through the next few months, we’re gonna need some serious stamina, hope, and resilience. I’m tired, you’re tired, WE ALL TIRED–and yet, we gotta do what we gotta do.

When thinking about some practices that I want to put in place for the sake of my sanity over the next few months, I figured it could be helpful to share with you what I’ve been thinking through. After all, we’re in this together at this point!

1. Find your exit buddy (or buddies).

Remember Finding Nemo? When Marlin and Dory were getting ready to exit the rapidly-moving East Australian Current, Crush (the friendly sea turtle) told them that in order to get out in one piece, they would need each other. In this season, I’m identifying, spending time with, and investing in my exit buddies. When I feel trapped in the currents of overwhelm, despondency, or hopelessness, I’m gonna need my community to come alongside me and yank me right out.

2. Heavily prioritize your hobbies, rest, and enjoyment.

In therapy a few months ago, I realized that I don’t have hobbies anymore. When 2020 happened and my hobby of art & drawing became my career, I did not pick up a new hobby to replace it. Hear me when I say this: I have paid the price. The cost has been STEEP. 

Having a go-to plan for which activities you can turn to in moments of despair is a valuable tool for your self-care toolkit. Somehow, some way, we must unplug, reset, and enjoy this life while we’re living it–even when it feels like things are falling apart. 

3. Remember the value of your voice.

Opponents of justice & wellbeing for all would LOVE for you to believe that there’s nothing that can be done to change things for the better. Best-case scenario for them? Don’t vote. Don’t engage. Ignore everything. Giving them a chance to wreak havoc undisturbed? A DREAM. 

Don’t let them off that easy.

This idea is the driving force behind this month’s Freedom School theme, “Your Voice, Your Vote.” Y’all–it’s one of my most comprehensive, engaging, colorful, and educational works to date, and it exists to help you and your community remember that your voices are still needed and have the power to turn things around in your cities, states, and nation.

Freedom School is a monthly digital subscription providing high-quality, printable resources designed to teach, preserve, and celebrate Black history.

From the early suffrage movements during the Reconstruction Era to the present-day fight against voter suppression, securing the right to vote for all was a culmination of hard-fought victories that still need to be protected today.

This month’s resources illuminate the history of voting rights, the work that still needs to be done to fortify those rights today, and the power of our individual voices to make change. Downloads include postcards, art prints, an illustrated guide about voter suppression, crossword puzzles, affirmations, election information for all 50 states, and more!

All in all, I hope that you find ways to keep the faith & continue doing the good work you’ve been called to. I’m with you!