Gratituesday 5.26.20 - Oh hello, racism...

Oh, hello racism, you're still here...

It's hard to believe after so many years of the United States touting itself as the great melting pot that we still have a problem with racism. But we do. I was raised in a mostly white community in New York, but my world opened when I moved to Atlanta in the early 90s. Someone who never met a Jewish person before told me that they saw where my HORNS had been, and I saw segregation first hand as I traveled the state. That separation creates an environment where differences thrive. Hello, racism.

I've made a number of moves over the years. The predominantly white community of Davis, CA with a large population of Asian students, and then when I moved back to NYC in 2012 I lived in Washington Heights with a primarily Dominican community. I am now in Central Harlem and I am definitely in the minority. I've kept my head up, but have stayed quiet. I know that gentrification brings some new life and money to a community, but it also brings hostility and change. And it's not all good.

As a white person in America, I am privileged. I know that because I see others treated differently, or I hear about others that have very different experiences. And I know that I take that for granted. COVID-19 is affecting lower income communities that are largely inhabited by those of color. We're now expected to wear coverings over our nose and mouths, and joke that we look like robbers. However that accusation is a potentially scary thing for African Americans or Latinos.

The big thing here is that I don't have any answers. I need to educate myself, I need to listen and I need to be a better advocate. And that needs to happen now.

In the meantime, Tuesdays are all about reflection. Here are my weekly lists. Please join me, if you can.

GRATITUDES

1. Sunny days and open windows

2. More inquiries for online weddings

3. Support from Dominique, Senshi and my parents on writing feedback and SEO accountability

4. My amazing officiant colleagues as we navigate online weddings and postponements

5. Hot coffee & gin cocktails

CELEBRATIONS

1. Day 67 of Spanish lessons on Duolingo

2. A socially distanced lunch with a friend over the weekend

3. More connection with referral partners

4. Starting to rank higher on Google for both premarital counseling and weddings

5. Some success with baking & cheese making over the weekend

DESIRES

1. For my neighbor to stop playing loud music outside of my bedroom window ALL DAY most days

(and here come the repeats!)

2. For Maxie to stop biting

3. To live in a clean and organized home

4. To be done with all things construction and renovation

5. Better grocery options in my neighborhood