It is heartening to see that these uncomfortable conversations are being discussed. Only when we all agree that there is a problem - only when we recognize and name the problem -- can we then address it, accept it, and thus deal with it - make amends and grow from it.
I am so very proud of each and everyone of you not fearing strong reactions but instead speaking out of your own conviction for the many people who cannot speak for themselves or to just add to their voices. It is beautiful.
At the darkest hour comes the light and I believe that we, as a nation, are coming to terms to many harmful truths of the foundations of our society and how we have lost our way in affirming to be the greatest most equal most democratic country in the world.
Growing up - my community was not politically or socially active - at all. Indio and Thermal and Coachella were considered such young cities and such a new society that consistently changed demographics as farmworkers changed faces. But now - so many of us are born and raised in the Coachella Valley - most of us children of immigrants or immigrants ourselves - college educated and back at home ready to do the work. Change is finally coming because we are the ones we have been waiting for and even though now I feel like an elder - as if I have done a lot of work and I am so excited to see the youth be more effective and take our community farther than my generation -- I know we are in good hands. I am a hopeless optimistic even though I have been beaten up these last seven months because of my activism and speaking out against abuse and power -- I believe in all of you and I love to see so many youth and adults interested in city budgets and policies and are now holding their elected accountable.
We are living through exciting times. We will reconcile as a nation, we are growing through growing pains, and we are facing harsh truths. But we have more in common that not - and speaking up and showing up and being kind and tolerant -- we will all make it through.
I pray for all those being affected by Covid-19 and wish no one else be devastated by this virus. We shall overcome and come together, more unified than ever. This I believe.
