Holiday Greetings December 2020

Friends:
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I am here to wish you a happy holiday (mostly because the American Dream is no more, no less than a white male patriarch, living out delusions of superiority and grandeur upon lowly others – and that can be pretty depressing.)

This year has been full of surprises and doses of reality for us all. I do not want to get too involved in the details here, as there will be plenty of time for that later, and – after all – the purpose of this particular message is to set the tone for your very special holiday.

As a leader, advocate, and a Black woman, however, I cannot ignore that most of us have experienced significant challenges, in addition to the already overwhelming circumstances and pressures which we were already overburdened by. This awareness, as well as the great need for relief, creates a unique challenge of giving hope and faith to many where our surroundings betray and protest the words that I am committing to paper.

There is hope, justice, equity, peace, restoration, renewal, and recompense for you! Yes – you may have to wait a little while longer, and yes – I cannot give you an exact date or hour that you will be restored and renewed. However, I can tell you that the day is coming when you will have relief and justice.

For Black women, in particular, I am well acquainted with your suffering, perseverance, and tears. I know that my words are second best to a tangible realization that you are equal to non-Black female peers, and that your injuries are deserving of the same speedy and lucrative recoveries which female peers of other racial groups reap year after year, and case after case.

Still, if you can read these words, and accept them from a woman who shares your race, nationality, and struggle, take comfort in knowing that my victories are yours – and I am not accustomed to losing.
I stand and fall with you, and I will not fall. My prayer, intention, and fight has always been –live or die – that I am here to win both the battle and the war.

I will not rest or be at peace until every Black woman, descendant of slaves, is free.

With love, equity, and strength,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Theresa Giovanna