In 2016, I graduated from Leadership Palm Beach County, an incredible program that “brings together leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to build and steward a vibrant, interconnected community.” What it really did was teach me so much about the area I live in, how it works, what needs fixing, and ways to be a part of the solution.
During our orientation, something really touched me that I will never forget. I heard “If you don’t learn about something that really pisses you off, we’re not doing our job.” They were right. After a particularly emotional day spent learning about the despicably-lacking resources available for those suffering mental health issues in my county, and especially that the Palm Beach County Jail was our largest provider of these types of services, I was pissed. I mean, really pissed. So much so that for the first time in my life I wrote and called my Congressman, Senators, and anyone else I could find to make my voice heard. I was shown the truth and it made me mad.
I’m feeling the same now. I’m not naive enough to think there hasn’t been some levels of racism in our country, but the last few weeks have revealed the truth. It’s always been here, under the guise of “going away” or “getting better.” It’s not really better. I haven’t been seeing the truth. Have I not wanted to see the truth?
This truth has made me mad. I’ve been reading, listening, donating, thinking. Praying, for sure. I want equity, hope and true freedom for us all. I am deeply uncomfortable; being mad will be a force for me and I will do better. Here are a few places that can use our help:
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Black Lives Matter-Palm Beach County
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay mad.