At Represent Justice, we share in the anxiety and concern that is rippling through our community and through all people who believe in a country filled with compassion, empathy and love. The fear and apprehension we have about what the results of this election mean for justice is not only real, but a painful reminder of how much work is left to be done. As Frederick Douglass stated, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.”
We started our current path four and a half years ago, in the midst of an incredibly difficult political time – a pandemic, civil unrest due to murders at the hands of police, and an endless stream of narratives about punishment coming from the White House, as well as local elected leaders across the country. What struck me was the love shared by our Ambassadors, and how they supported one another through thick and thin, amplifying voices and building a community of stories we could rely on for strength and solidarity. It was all the infrastructure we needed.
There are no secrets or shortcuts in the road ahead. The need for us to connect now is greater than ever. The solution will be to surround ourselves with the opposite of the feelings of today. As feelings of defeat, isolation and discouragement pass, we will return to encouraging each other, inspiring each other, remembering our history, and sharing our triumphs, however small they may feel.
As during that difficult time, our feelings and commitment at Represent Justice remain the same; we will continue empowering those impacted by unjust systems until they can speak truth collectively, with dignity and self-determination. Building the power of people through systems of love and accountability will win.
We are not strangers to one another. We are not starting from scratch. And we are not finished.
Daniel Forkkio
CEO, Represent Justice