This week, we will share the videos of each speaker from the State of Black El Paso, which took place on Juneteenth, 2024.
We have removed the rug. We’ve burned it.
Everyone who participated shared their thoughts and information on how to grow better together. Our community can be more inclusive and less degrading if we have hard conversations followed by active, empowering solutions. Community building cannot take place without first tearing down the walls that divide us.
Truth is everything.
Without acknowledging the causes of destruction, how can you ensure a more positive future? From civil rights to socioeconomic standing, a community is only as strong as its leaders. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others fought with words. If that’s not you, have a seat, but don’t try to stop what God is doing, and that is the very thing you prayed for – a more diverse and forward-moving El Paso.
Where Are Black Leaders in the Community?
Despite what you’ve heard, we are here. A leader isn’t just someone who holds a position within a community, company, or organization. A leader unapologetically takes their role as a citizen to do what’s right for the greater good.
A leader uses their voice and is not silenced or afraid of the faces of those who continue to use negativity to stunt our growth. Despite your socioeconomic status, if you’re in any part of the community/society that believes racism doesn’t exist on the border, that the Black community is just fine, and that you have no issues, and believe that some of us are “doing too much” to actualize unity… stay over there, especially if you are Black identifying. The hypocrisy is if you have those beliefs yet work in fields that combat ageism, classism, elitism, racism, sexism, etc.
Stay tuned this week as you hear the words from those who, like myself, desire positive community growth and change. We share collective goals of improving and being a part of the solution instead of adding to the problems.
I’m not going to be in El Paso forever. Still, like I have previously stated: “If my children choose to remain here, I want them to know I did all that I could to try to bridge the divide and bring us closer to inclusion, representation, and Black self-empowerment and pride…unashamedly… while connecting with various other cultures on the border.”
So, no more sweeping stuff under the rug. Let’s talk about it, but only for a short time. We’re adults – it doesn’t take long to screw in a light bulb.
=======
Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!