She Strengthens

The Power of Nommo: Speaking Truth to Power

As a poet and writer, I’ve always been mindful of the weight of my words. In Afrocentric tradition, “nommo” embodies the idea that our spoken words have the power to shape reality. For me, it’s a reminder to choose my words carefully, as they can either uplift or oppress.

A New Era of Activism

Since 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement has been instrumental in challenging the status quo of white supremacy, racism, and xenophobia in America. Alongside the Movement for Black Lives, they’ve inspired a new wave of anti-racist activism. Today, we’re seeing white allies take responsibility for unlearning racism, marching alongside Black and Brown bodies, and using their privilege to further the movement.

Listening to Black Voices

As we strive for a world where Black lives truly matter, it’s essential that we listen to every word we say. We must be on the same page when it comes to healing, justice, and freedom. However, we’re seeing distortions of our message, such as the misinterpretation of “defunding the police” to mean “reform” or adding social workers to the police force. It’s crucial that we clarify our goals and work together to achieve them.

Healing and Community

Healing is a critical step towards a thriving Black community. We must piece together our communities and ourselves, addressing the physical and mental health issues that disproportionately affect us. Initiatives like Ethel’s Club in Brooklyn, which offers wellness and workout sessions, community connection, and events focused on people of color, are leading the way. Mutual aid, radical Black joy, and caretaking are also essential components of healing.

Pursuing Justice

Dr. Ama Mazama reminds us that America was born with three major birth defects: the annihilation of Native people, the enslavement of African people, and the grabbing of Mexican land. To achieve justice, we must acknowledge these historical injustices and work towards reparations. Germany’s approach to addressing its Nazi past, known as “vergangenheitsbewältigung,” provides a model for how the United States can take steps towards justice.

Freedom for All

Freedom is a sacred concept for Black people, who have been denied it throughout history. From enslavement to the prison industrial system, we’ve seen our freedom taken away time and again. True freedom looks like equality, harmony, and the combination of healing and justice for all. It’s equal protection for all races, the LGBTQ+ community, the disabled, and the unhoused. When we can return to our traditional ways of being and invoke community once more, we will be free.

A Brighter Future

As we navigate the challenges of our time, the future looks surprisingly bright. By embracing the principles of Maat – truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice – we can work towards a world permeated with peace and harmony. The movement’s demands of “no justice, no peace” are clear, and as we strive for a world where Black lives truly matter, we’re one step closer to achieving true freedom.