R.I.P’d Off! (Part 19)

‘Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I’ll rise.’

Still I Rise ~ Maya Angelou

I purposely stay away from the news, and I haven’t really spoken on Black issues for a while – well, apart from the Alabama Brawl and the Montgomery chair – that will always have a special place in my heart!😂

Jokes aside, I couldn’t help but see numerous posts about Tory donor Frank Hester OBE, and his comments made towards Diane Abbott and in turn all Black women. He said, “It’s like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV and you’re just like…you just want to hate all Black women because she’s there. And I don’t hate all Black women at all, but I think she should be shot.”

Following on from that a spokesperson released a statement saying, “Frank Hester accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbott in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender or the colour of her skin.”😑

You smell it right? I was about to break it down when I had a deja vu moment. I’d been here before. It’s all just a little bit of history repeating. Sure it was played out in a different way, but the root cause is still the same – and so it shall remain. So forgive me if this seems a little familiar.

A way to see it is like this; there’s a tree that’s overgrown and blocking your view, so you trim it back and it’s good for a while, but then the branches return and you’ve got to do it all over again. The issue will keep on returning and you won’t solve the problem permanently unless you uproot it.

That’s what racism is. A long ass root of a poisonous tree that’s way overgrown, and no matter how many times we clear a branch there will always be more waiting to spring forth and multiply, and people like Frank Hester are making sure those roots are well hydrated. 

Trust me, as a Black woman I have felt all the feels about the way we have been, and continue to be, disrespected and downtrodden. As a mother of daughters I would love nothing more than for them to live freely, without the negative attachments others attempt to force them to carry purely because of their melanin glowing skin.

Skin I have always encouraged them to love and cherish. If you have read any of the previous R.I.P’d Off! blogs you’ll note my passion when it comes to my people. And yes, I say my people. I’m well aware that we are all ‘one people’, but please miss me with the “I don’t see colour” ish! I see it. Every tone and every hue of every person, and it should be celebrated – whoever and wherever you are. No it doesn’t define you, but it’s part and parcel of who you are. Love the skin you’re in. Embrace others differences instead of shunning, labelling and degrading. 

When issues arise let everyone know exactly what’s been said and who said it. Name and shame – if that’s even in their vocabulary. Don’t believe that being quiet means they’ll get bored and it will be forgotten. Speak up and speak out. Speaking on racism doesn’t keep it alive, it’s doing that all on its own. Speaking on it brings awareness and allows for preparation. 

I’ve heard it being said that we should move on from certain aspects of history and look at how far we’ve come. I get it, and yes I’m thankhful that I can now wash my hands in the same space as you, but doesn’t something have to fully stop before you move on? That train may have slowed but it’s still fucking rolling.

Given time we can move on from history and atrocities but there has to be a level of acknowledgment and accountability that goes with it. You don’t get to gloss over it like it had no effect. 

On a personal note, I will NEVER forget that somewhere down the line my ancestors went through literal Hell and high water and strived to survive the utmost fuckery at the hands of White men. It’s kinda hard to forget when you still carry the name of their ancestors that put yours there.🫠

And don’t even get me started on reparations!

If there were ever a collective of people who had a genuine reason to spew hate and division but choose to show dignity and grace, Black women would be at the top of that list. I could run it down for you but like I said, this is all deja vu and I’m not about to go over it again. Instead I have a message for my Queens.

No matter who tries to convince you you’re not allowed to occupy space don’t be fooled and don’t quit; but focus on what you’re putting your energy into and the space you want to inhabit. Diane, Queen, to each their own and I got you girl, but when you decide to go sit in the snake pit expect to be bitten. 

I really can’t when it comes to politics; and no matter what kinda token they wheel out to persuade us they’re up for change and for THE people there’s a silent ‘IR’ they’re not telling you about.

Remember I said it goes root deep and it’s from an ancient tree. There is a hidden agenda to keep us distracted and at war, but it’s not so hidden if you really care to look. Fight the good fight, but be mindful of your reserves and conserve your energy.  For every Frank there’ll be 1000 more and if they all hate on me and my kind so be it. I don’t want or need their love or respect. 

Of course there’s the danger that his words may inspire others of the same thinking to take things a step further and incite more hate and/or violence towards us, but I am not prepared to live in fear. Fuck ‘em! I’m sick to the back teeth of that demographic thinking they own the world. Bring it!. When my time comes, it’ll come.

We have as much right to be here as anybody else. We ALL came to be and it’s proven we’re of the first people on Earth – you’d best believe we were put here for a higher purpose. Black Girl Magic ain’t a myth, you just need to tap into yours. We were blessed and kissed by the sun to receive her light and you need to shine my sistas!✨ 

Blind them with it! They’re deaf and dumb already, might as well go the whole hog!*

R.I.P to all those who have lost their lives recently.

STOP THE GENOCIDE! Continuing to send love to Palestine, Congo, Lebanon, Uyghur, Syria, Sudan and all of the other nations suffering some sort of atrocity.🙏🏾🖤💚

*Gammon pun FULLY intended!

Keep Glowing Queen! Stay Blessed & #CelebrateLife