June 1, 2020

This morning’s alarm clock was the sound of sirens blaring and helicopters hovering over what is usually a peaceful neighborhood. These sounds come as a response to the unrest of a hurt people. The upset of people who have been oppressed for hundreds of years. These sounds mimic the screams of the broken hearted. 

This week, in particular, has been noisy. 

By now, the entire country is aware of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. He was murdered by a police officer who kneeled on his neck for 9 minutes until he died. Imagine that…

NINE MINUTES.

But his death alone is not what has caused all of the noise. There have been several murders of unarmed black women and men that came before his. Racism is unfortunately REAL. It comes in several shapes and sizes, often times disguised as helpful hands or complicity in their silence. 

As a Black woman who comes from a Black mother and a Black Father… who grew up in a Black church and attended Black schools until later in my college career, I have been taught what to look for. Taught the strong history of my oppressed people and encouraged to change the narrative. 

Be clear, this is not a post to bash or call out racists. This is about the opportunity we have here and now. Finding the solutions. Creating the change. Building the future.

As riots and protests convene across our nation, I urge you to think of the contribution you want to make. 

How will you join the fight? 

Everyone has a role, EVERYONE. The need is…all hands on deck to create a space of love in our communities. All are not meant to serve on the frontline, some of us are needed in the background, waiting with encouraging words, loving thoughts and praying much needed prayers. 

Many citizens across the city of Chicago have been up and working to restore. From the surrounding suburbs to the inner city we set out to get it done. Today, I decided to be the change we all so often talk about. I took to the streets of Bronzeville, a historic Chicago neighborhood that needed restoring after a day of civil unrest. 

A space full of broken glass and streets filled with trash, it was a site to see. The noise was loud, but the aftermath was louder. Beautiful buildings and businesses were in complete disaray.  But in the midst of all of it, the neighborhood’s residents got up and out early this morning to restore the beauty of our community. By the time I was able to arrive and lend a hand, most of the areas had been cleaned. As I drove up 47th Street, I saw groups of people with brooms and trash bags in hand ready to do the work. Many already working. In this peaceful clean up, I stopped several times to offer my assistance and was greeted with smiles and open hearts. 

Not at all a surprise, because this is what we do. We wipe our tears, minimize the pain and get back to work. Work to create the lives of our dreams and even though we don’t expect to be without upset, we cherish the times we can spend together to escape from what has always been our reality. Some more effected then others but effected all the same. I learned the lesson of togetherness today. And in the words of “The Impressions” I’ve learned to ‘Keep on Pushin’.

Now I ask, what will you do?  What will be your contribution during this unprecedented time, and what will be your contribution to the world you want to live in? It is our job as humans to serve the world because if not us, then who? I believe in you and I pray you have the heart to join us in this fight. We are in this together.

Courtney Nicole Thompson, a hardworking professional faithfully serving the community for over twelve years and counting, has developed a strong passion for service. Courtney’s first love is communications and with a BA in Broadcast Journalism, she has a passion for public speaking and all things media related. As was the principal writer on the blog created in 2011, “Table 4 One.” For four years, Courtney gave weekly glimpses into her life as a single woman and welcomed guest writers the space to do the same. Currently, she lends her voice in other outlets and is always looking for new and useful ways to be an agent of change.

Photos by Chan C. Smith Photography