Skip to main content

Sunset Reflections 8-11-2020

 Sunset Reflections...

I was in Frankfurt, Germany working the night shift. Talking with a coworker of mine about President Bush, I believe, it was 2003/4.  We talked about 1. The possibility of a Black president in our lifetime, and 2. The possibility of a female president in our lifetime.

Little did we know, President Obama would be inaugurated just 4 years later...

I remember the evening clearly...I sat in my living room in front of the television waiting for the announcement of our newly elected President. I remember the class, grace, and dignity that embraced the stage as the newly elected President, First Lady, and their two beautiful children walked to the front of the stage in Chicago, IL (only about 90 minutes from my hometown in Milwaukee, WI).

I was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama at the time. I remember passing confederate flags, conversing about the meaning of the flags, and the roots of its origin in the south. I was one of two black officers in my leadership class. I was 1 of 12 reservist selected to attend this highly sought after training. I was a closeted lesbian at the time. 

I was laxed in my perspective about my presence because I’d already obtained my doctorate and had a masters and bachelors as well. What was the big deal in another masters degree?

The arrogance. My arrogance. 

I experienced a complete perspective shift, literally in nano-seconds, when I heard one of the Tuskegee Airmen reflect on his military service. I remember him saying how much of a blessing it was to sit in my seat and how many people had fought and died for me to be there; to be PAID to get an education. 

I got my shyt together real quick.

I digress.

As I reflect this evening, watching the sunset and seeing the posts about Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris, I’m reminded of the shift that took place the day after President Obama was elected. There was so much tension in our class and on campus that you could cut it with a knife. Literally.

I must admit it was hard holding back the joy of being in service when the first black President was elected. It wasn’t protocol to openly express our political opinions, especially as an officer, a black officer who should just be happy to be present. ๐Ÿ’ฏ However the reactions, murmurs, and cold shoulders showed political affiliation and opinion without one utterance.

Change happens.

Whether you agree or disagree with the current administration or the 2020 candidates matters not. What matters most, in my opinion, is the collective shift in consciousness that’s happening around the universe. 

❤️ I’m grateful to be a part of this shift. 

❤️ I’m grateful to be a witness to this shift. 

❤️ And most of all I’m grateful to be a CONTRIBUTOR to the collective shift in consciousness that’s happening.

❤️๐ŸŒŸ My question to you on tonight is this: Are you a viewer or a participant in the shift? 

My reality is I AM both. ๐Ÿ’ฏ 

๐ŸŒŸ I choose embrace the change. 

๐ŸŒŸ I choose to contribute to the change. 

๐ŸŒŸ I welcome the “more,” because it’s coming. 

I challenge YOU to ponder where and how you fit in? What role will you play in this next quantum leap of evolution (and shift in consciousness)? ๐Ÿ˜Š

I Love ❤️ You.

Be Well. ~Dr. Elijah ๐Ÿ˜˜

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Navigating the Intersectionality of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Black Transgender Men in the Workforce

Introduction The pursuit of a fair and just society demands an unwavering commitment to recognizing and addressing the diverse challenges faced by marginalized communities. Among the most vulnerable groups are Black transgender men, who often encounter barriers to equitable pay, promotions, and representation in the workforce. Achieving true inclusivity requires acknowledging the intersectionality of their identities and working towards dismantling systemic discrimination. This article explores the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in fostering a more equitable work environment for Black transgender men. Understanding Intersectionality Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlรฉ Crenshaw, refers to the interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class. For Black transgender men, the convergence of racial and gender identities creates unique experiences and challenges. Intersectionality helps us understand how the intersections

Triple Challenge: Navigating Being Black, Trans, and Pregnant in Healthcare

  In the healthcare landscape, there exists a unique but often overlooked intersection – being black, trans, and pregnant. These individuals navigate a complex matrix of challenges, often facing systemic barriers and personal biases that impact their healthcare experiences. Black, trans, and pregnant individuals frequently encounter significant disparities in healthcare. These range from systemic racism and transphobia to specific issues such as inadequate access to knowledgeable prenatal care. Many healthcare providers lack the necessary training and understanding to adequately support these patients, leading to experiences of discrimination and inadequate care. A significant barrier in addressing these issues is the lack of comprehensive data. Research on black trans pregnancies is scarce, resulting in a profound gap in understanding and awareness among healthcare professionals. This data gap not only affects the quality of care provided but also hinders the development of effective