5 Things Friday
Maya Angelou by George McCalman for his upcoming book Illustrated Black History.
This post is late today because, honestly, I was at a loss for words last night and this morning. So, for today I will hand it over to someone far more eloquent and insightful and experienced.
“You should be angry. You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn’t do anything to the object of its displeasure. So use that anger. You write it. You paint it. You dance it. You march it. You vote it. You do everything about it. You talk it. Never stop talking it.” -Maya Angelou.
Here are your 5 things.
SIGN THIS. Adam Toledo was a 13 year old boy. His hands were up. He was unarmed. He was compliant and non-violent. On March 26, the Chicago Police shot and killed him anyway. Over the last few weeks the Chicago Police Department and the prosecutor have lied, saying that Adam was armed when he was shot. The newly released video proves that he was not. It shows, excruciatingly, that he was facing officers with his hands up when he was shot and instantly killed. Demand that the police who killed Adam Toledo get fired and charged, immediately, and that prosecutor who lied be fired. Then head out to Oscar Grant Plaza tonight at 8pm to show your solidarity and support.
KNOW THIS. This is happening everywhere, every day. Roger Allen was murdered by Daly city Police on April 7. Allen was the passenger in a truck that got a flat tire in the middle of the afternoon.
CELEBRATE THIS. Yesterday was 415 Day—the day natives & long time residents celebrate San Francisco's rich history, diversity & culture. "415 Day is an act of resilience for our everyday resistance to demand restitution for injustices made against our communities in FRISCO. As a diverse collective of people we are strong, powerful and capable of anything. Together we are able to protect our hoods and culture under pressure; as well as plant seeds of love for future generations to enjoy." More of this.
DO THIS. It's Black Maternal Health Week, and instead of rehashing the grim statistics, we are asking you to take this easy first step to deeper learning about reproductive justice. Fill out this quick Color of Change survey about what you know already, and sign up to receive further education and action tools.
READ THIS. There are countless racist laws and procedures that contributed to the murder of Daunte Wright, and one is the war on drugs. Wright had a warrant out for an unpaid fine over a misdemeanor marijuana charge—for possessing a substance that countless corporations are now selling legally and making mind-boggling profits off of. Over the next few weeks, REP CO is launching a series of stories on the topic of equity in cannabis. What's that you ask? It's making sure that the people and communities most harmed by the war on drugs are able to benefit from cannabis's legalization. It's making sure that charges like the one Daunte Wright had are dismissed, and won't continue to derail futures and ruin lives. Our first piece, To The Root Of It, profiles four Black cannabis gardeners and explores each of their journeys into cultivation—and the joy they get from it. Pick up this Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle to see all 3 of REP CO's equitable cannabis stories in print.