Try
Try to imagine being arrested at 14
Fourteen….
or try
Try to imagine your child seeing you fall because you
were tasered
Or imagine receiving a letter after 50 years in this
country stating
“LIABILITY FOR REMOVAL”
It’s happening out there, beyond the boundaries and
confinement of home in Lewisham
I see, feel and hear nonetheless.
This body is consumed and rocked by sadness, anger
and heartbreak as I hear of killings and brutality – by
police, by politicians’ lack of caring, by abhorrent
cronyism, by white privilege.
But I know something unprecedented is erupting
in-between environmental crises and
outmoded dysfunctional systems of capital
This body embraces the John Lewis eulogies and
black women’s sounds of affirmation, affiliation, and
beauty
And most of all, humbled by voices of young folk -
who persevere despite a broke and racist system
calling for change, for lifeness and futurity.
“… So love your neck; put a hand on it, grace it, stroke
it and hold it up.”
Toni Morrison (1987) Beloved This work was part of the 'Thirteen Ways of Looking' exhibition (2 October - 13 December 2020)
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.