Solidarity

Happy Tuesday, my reader friends.

This past week has been very difficult, but especially for Black Americans and Black people across the world. I can’t speak for everyone, but a lot of tears have been shed in this home over the murder of George Floyd and the countless Black Americans brutalized senselessly by police.

I’ve had a very difficult time making sense of these atrocities, why our police and government have responded (for the most part) with indifference and threats, and why protesters are being labeled as the “bad guy” in this situation.

I don’t have answers. I just have tears. But I also have abilities. I have the ability to contact my representatives in the Senate and Congress (which I’ve done). I have the ability to donate to the cause (which I’ve done), and support politicians who are running for office and will lead us towards a better future (which I’ve done). I have the ability to make a conscious effort to listen to Black Voices and confront my own biases and learn to be uncomfortable in communicating and working together in the search for justice, equality, and equity. Which I’m actively working on. I have the ability to elevate Black Voices without disagreeing or censoring–letting Black Voices be heard, and deep, soul-searching thought going into what is said without being defensive, then realizing that I don’t need to respond. I just need to hear.

Today’s post is not meant to be depressing or to bring you down. I hope everyone can find something positive and uplifting in the current state of America. We are living in a unique moment in history where you look out over a sea of protesters faces–and they’re all different. They’re all unified, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation to see justice and equality for all. We are seeing solidarity between people who know what is right. We see more people realizing that we cannot be afraid to be uncomfortable. We need to reach out to each other, listening, communicating, coordinating, and working together, we are in charge of what the future of this country looks like. Not our current squatter in the White House or any of our elected officials who refuse to truly represent us and do the right thing.

June is Pride Month.

I want to wish all of my LGBTQ+ family “Happy Pride.” I know “happy” is a hard thing to hear with what is going on in our world right now, but please try to make an effort to find some joy today. Of course, don’t lose that spark that keeps you angry and hungry for justice, but even in the darkest times, joy can be the light that shines the way.

For Pride Month, I’m working on bringing posts from Black Voices to you. I’ve spoken with a few writers already and posts are being worked on for this site. I’ll continue to reach out to Black creatives in the Writing Community. I’m working on making a list of books by Black authors that I have really enjoyed and would recommend for required reading or books with stories I simply enjoyed. This is something I should have done a long time ago, but I was uncomfortable reaching out to Black creatives with this idea for fear of coming off as pandering or playing “white savior.” But I’ve decided to stop being uncomfortable. I will reach out, and I will confront those feelings of discomfort. Some people will want to write posts and some will not–I fully respect and understand both decisions. Some may even say difficult things that are uncomfortable to hear–and I will listen.

Regardless, I would like anyone reading this to know that if you are a Black creative–or know of a Black creative who would be interested–I would be thrilled to feature your/their voice on my website. My platform is yours. It’s not huge, but I’m happy to share it.

In the future, I plan to open my platform to guest posts from writers from other backgrounds so that their voices can be elevated as well.

I’ll still be doing my weekly posts to share things about my books, process, and any Chase Connor Books news. However, this platform will also be welcoming to any marginalized voice that wants to be heard.

I can be reached via the “Contact Chase” page on this site, at chaseconnor@chaseconnor.com, or DM me on Twitter. I’ll respond as quickly as I can to all.

In the meantime, please be kind to each other. Reach out, communicate, listen a lot more than you talk, hold hands, give hugs. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable and have the difficult discussions. Put down your shields and don’t be defensive. Be willing to hear the things that make you uncomfortable. Let Black people know that they are important. Their voices are important. Their lives are important.

Black Lives Matter.

Tremendous Love & Thanks,

Chase