More "Woke" Than Yesterday

It has been a bumpy day as learning another truth of this nation’s history opened my eyes a bit more. This is bound to happen as we seek to expand our insight and understanding. Although there is disappointment, I am grateful to be more “woke” than I was yesterday. 

In August, I wrote Considering My Ancestors of the 19th Century. I used the piece to ponder the lives of my grandparents’ grandparents within the context of history including enslavement, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the beginning of Jim Crow. They certainly experienced the challenges, disappointments and hopes of living as the descendants of kidnapped and enslaved Africans. 

While slavery existed in other places, chattel slavery bore a perpetual cruelty. Under this system, the descendants of enslaved persons were condemned to lifelong enslavement before their conception. You may need a moment to process it. Yes, the descendants of enslaved persons were condemned to lifelong slavery before their conception. 

This contributes to my problem with the political terms pro-life and pro-choice. In addition to attempting to polarize two complicated concepts, they do not take into account the lived experiences of many women, even today, who have no autonomy over their own bodies. Remember, it was not until 1920 that the Constitution gave women in white bodies the right to vote.

Stripped of bodily autonomy, there is no thought of consent. What must it have been like to be forcibly and violently raped so you would carry a full-term pregnancy knowing your child was the legal property of another? How does one begin to process natural maternal instincts in a cruel society warped by white supremacy, greed and privilege? How does a girl or a woman give birth knowing the certain cruelty beyond the womb? Again, the decision was never hers as the enslaver was expecting another unpaid laborer.

Speaking of how enslaved women in Black bodies were treated during chattel slavery seems more than relevant as we witness our nation again denying the dignity of women in Black bodies by dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion and justice efforts. Based on social media fodder, many express concern about the demise of the fictional Aunt Jemima with no genuine interest in Nancy Green’s lived experiences. Aunt Jemima was never perceived as a threat on a store shelf or in a pantry. Seeing Nancy Green in her full humanity would generate a quandary of discomfort that the nation has neglected to address. Again, she was used to create wealth for shareholders, men in white bodies.

Denying our dignity continues as we have witnessed harsh attacks on Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and many more. Neither national nor international status immunize against racist cruelty. Trust me when I say, “They are not alone.” It is systemic from sea to shining sea.

In writing the first paragraph, my plan was to move in a different direction in which I would share my learning. That did not happen today but it will be shared at another time. It is all connected.