Friday, June 12, 2020

2020 Stash Party #21 - I CAN'T BREATHE - Crafting for Peace of Mind

Hello, Crafty Peeps!
Today, as I looked through all the stamps that I have never used, I came across this Prima™ stamp. 
As an American of African descent, it was impossible for me to not think about the tragic deaths of 
  Eric Garner and George Floyd.
~~~~~~~
In the past two weeks, I have realized that those three words
I CAN'T BREATHE

are the very words I searched for but could never find.  The words that explain how I've felt so many times in my life.


The first time someone called me the infamous "N" word.

The first time I realized I was being followed by security while shopping in a department store. 

At work, every day on every single job I have ever had!
Because:
I was the only American of African Descent
On my team
In my office
In management
Because:
Of bad, really bad racists jokes
Because:
I didn't fit the stereotype of
Prissy
Florida Evans
Florence
Weezy
Single Welfare Mom

Because:
My husband earned more than many of my supervisors!


The simple tasks of trying to choose a doctor, or dentist, or a school for my children, stressful in and of themselves, were made even more stressful because they were overlayed with anxiety at the prospect of encountering ugly, mean, and purposeful racism.

On the inside, I added the single word "truth." I can't breathe is the truth of being an American of African descent in this country.
     

I wanted grandkids so badly and now that I have them I spend my time being afraid. Waiting to exhale.  When I think of what America has become I am afraid that my son or one of my grandsons might one day "fit the description."  I am afraid that my daughter or one of my granddaughters might get pulled over for a simple traffic violation and end up "dying in police custody."  The sad thing is my fear did not start with the death of Eric Garner or George Floyd.  I have lived with this gnawing fear since my son was born 49 years ago.  I pray someday Americans of  African descent will finally be able to breathe. I pray they no longer live in fear for the lives of their spouses, brothers, nephews, and their children.  b'sd 

~~~~~~~~

Thanks for stopping by!


11 comments:

  1. Wow this card is stunning, perfect I love it, those stamps are beautiful.

    I'm sorry you have to feel in this way it's not fair, I can just send my love and support and try to help to change things. María, xx.

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    1. Thanks, Maria! I found like four of these "artsy" stamps from Prima. I hope to use the others in my stash series.

      I remain hopeful that significant change will occur.
      Hugz!

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  2. Wow. I don't know what to say. It seems silly to comment on your beautiful card. It is art, because art touches the heart - either gently or gut-wrenchingly.

    Reform is overdue. No one - black, white or brown - should have to live in fear. No one should be judged by his/her outer appearance. I'm sorry this has been your experience. It's not right. It needs to change, starting with people's hearts.

    Your art and honest words are powerful tools to effect real, heart-level change.

    Bless you, my friend.
    Hugs, Teresa

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  3. Thanks, Teresa! I appreciate your kind words.

    Hugz,
    Chana

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  4. Your card is absolutely beautiful, I love the sentiment it is right for this card. I'm so sorry that you have experienced these feelings.
    Take care
    Faith x

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  5. Your card is a beautiful sign of the times, and I'm sorry your life has been lived in fear. Hopefully the world will awaken and stop this cruel profiling and learn to live peacefully with one another, regardless of race or skin color. Wishing you a much better tomorrow with no fear!

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  6. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Just one of those times when one cannot sit in silence!

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  7. Hugging you with my heart, Chana! You wrote so eloquently about this. I think you could come up with some effective solutions. I sure hope they at least reform the police departments. I'm glad you wrote this. I needed to read it, thank you, sweet Chana. XOX

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Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. I appreciate it! I try to reciprocate and visit your blogs. If I don't get to you right away, please know that I am on my way there to thank you for your visit.
Happy Crafting!
Hugz,
Chana