If you’re reading this right now, my guess is that you are plain tired and worn out. It has been a hellish week, probably worse for those who are planes flying to Central America, South America, and other parts after being scooped up in ICE raids across this country. Probably more so for all those people who had their work around DEI stripped away with the stroke of a tyrant’s pen. More so for those who are members of the LGBTQ community feeling once again like a target.

 

A pretty shitty week overall. But it’s Friday. We got through. In the spirit of that, I want to basically say that I’m here in solidarity with you to all my folks who've been marginalized. if you’re on the side of decency, and community, I’m with you. 

 

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Art, and the artists who create it, no matter the genre are going to be the bulwark of what we have to deal with in fighting back against this bullshit. Toni Morrison’s famous quote is definitely applicable here. It’s not primarily about profit. It’s about purpose. It’s about how well you’re going to make someone feel when they see your work. How well you’re going to disseminate information. How well you’re going to strengthen the community with what you do. How well you’re going to inspire someone, anyone, and eventually everyone who pays attention. Anything else is a motherfucking cheap upsell. That said? We’ve got a long road to go. As my brother and extraordinary Chef Cornelius Hodges said to me a little while back, “The blood is rich.” There’s a lot of honor, survival, pride, and majesty in my blood. I believe that to be the same for everyone who is outraged and dismayed at what’s occurring with this current government. I believe remembering that, and not getting caught up in the despair they want us to feel, is what is going to help sustain us and each other.

 

Walk good, good people.