Tag: Hopeless

Philabundance Virtual Food Drive: First Responders & Friends – Philabundance

Frederica R. Burrage

https://secure.philabundance.org/site/TR/Events/VirtualFoodDrive?team_id=2612&pg=team&fr_id=1040

BE A HERO! FEED THE HUNGRY.

SUCH HYPOCRISY IN AMERICA

Frederica R. Burrage

People actually hated Barack Obama before he won the presidency- The complexion of his skin didn’t sit right with some folks, not because he was involved in any scandals. In my opinion, as far as race matters are concerned in America, we took several steps back in history. Even blacks still criticize Obama harshly. They wanted more from him and feel let down. However, I don’t hear many critics denouncing the HATE that exists in our own communities. When are people going to STAND UP AND SPEAK UP in the neighborhood? Stop using Social Media to air out your grievances, if you aren’t willing to take them to the streets. Any type of hate is WRONG and violence towards a group of people, based solely on the color of their skin, their religion, their sexual orientation or sexual preference(etc. You get the point), is purely vile and UNJUSTIFIED. One day, we will have a president that most people will like and can trust again. A president that will work hard to unite the country and not divide us. Don’t be used as pawns in a game with undesirable leadership. Be a positive influence and impact others instead of waiting for a man or woman to save the consciousness of our people. And when I say “our”, I mean, everyone… black, white, and other. Our children’s lives are at stake. If you knowingly like, support and vote for a biased person for any organization or political office, that would mean to some of us, that you are complicit in the bias and that their hysteria is warranted. Don’t feed the fire with chants. Stop fanning the flames of bigotry. Be a voice of reason and express yourself in a dignified manner. A person of good moral character knows how to effectively get their messages across without crossing the line. Stop mocking others for the way they protest, if you aren’t suggesting other possible tactics to support the cause. Don’t be a hypocrite from a distance… Be a force to be reckoned with, on the front lines.

#RaceMatters #StopTheHate #inspireothers #ENDviolence

Me Too Am Speaking

Frederica R. Burrage

COCOA BUTTER MASK

I move with pride                    even though I hide                      the pain inside-                            I speak of shame                      not to defame                                or place blame-                        the embarrassment              was a detriment                          to my temperament-                    I didn’t choose to be a part of any movement or hash tag-      especially if the requirement meant that I’d be privy to sexual molestation-                It is with hesitation                that I proclaim            victimization-                    This is sad…                                  However, my aim                  is to lose the humiliation            that I hold inside-                        The resentment survivors carry, can vary                      from fear to anxiety-                  from depression to grief.            By standing up against abuse,  it’s a slight relief-                      Do I regret speaking up about the who touched me              that night? No-                              At the time (age 10),                    I lied and stated that                nothing was wrong                      but I cried-                            What made me think            that I could be strong enough    to say something,                      to tell my truth-                            When I did                                    I was not believed-                      It was not a reprieve                  It was a game-                              The only thing I achieved was  the name of  a liar.                      Him, he became the victim-      I tried to tell                                  that I was playing in Hell            with the devil                        with a grin-                                    He actually smiled at me            ever so gingerly                      like he was protected-                I felt neglected                          My family                                    did not help me                        My feelings were rejected-        I did not receive a hug,              a kiss or a pat                            on the forehead.                          I got yelled at instead-                Usually my mother                      coated our ills            with Cocoa Butter…                      it was better than pill-          This time, she seemed torn, confused, removed, worn.        I had nobody-                          My scars were infested              by sores                                      My skin bled with spores            of contempt.                                  I was used-                                    Even though                          years have gone by,                      therapy does not conceal            the harmful memories-                                                                        Prayer and meditation helps    to heal the clutter of emotions.  Forgiveness is key-                      I am writing my truth                to liberate me from hate.            Holding such rage in                  is not healthy-                              I pray that I can          shed some anger            towards this dead man.              I will forgive him one day-        My bruises are mine.                  Other people have died              trying to hide much pain.          I say ENOUGH!

My testament is to inspire,      to empower other people          to come forward.                        SPEAK UP!                          DON’T BE AFRAID!                      Seek assistance and put a stop  to this violent crime          before it repeats-                      It’s time to SUPPORT            each other-                                    LISTEN to one another              and mend scars                      that don’t fade-                          Let perpetrators know                their mistreatment won’t be tolerated and they will be punished!

#MeToo     #AmSpeaking            #Itriedtotell     #MyTruth

Reduce the fear                          of double victimization              by giving an objective ear        to someone in need.