Personal Reflection: “We are Waking our Ancestors and Showing Them They Did Not Die in Vain”
Models: Anicea (left) Kylah (right); Photo by: MONEYPHOTOGRAPHY
By Angel Sanders
A year ago, my close friends who appear in the photos above and below collaborated on a project, in result they did this photo shoot to display messages about our people. The photo choice not only supports my feelings but they also support the idea that protesting for Blacks lives is nothing new, the only thing that is new is the amount of “support” as well as the consistency.
The most frustrating thing to me is that people are really upset that the Black Lives Matter movement is lasting as long as it’s lasting. I am more importantly tired of non-Black people, who do not realize that for us Black people this is more than a movement, this is literally our lives at stake. If we don’t advocate for ourselves then who else will? People think since slavery happened so long ago it shouldn’t still impact people, but my people still suffer today. Many of us are born into oppression.
What I’m hoping is that the protest continues to go on for as long as it takes for us to see equality. I love that companies are making changes, donating and showing their support. It’s almost like Black people just came out.
I can’t believe I’m really witnessing history; from the pandemic to the 2020 Civil Rights movements while still trying to balance post-undergrad life, a job, and applying for grad school. This is one of the most mind blowing times in my life and I face a number of mixed emotions a day. I feel sad knowing with all that is going on Black people are still being made an example of, still getting killed, still being targeted by “powerful authorities.”
When first hearing about George Floyd, I was shook. This man just lost his life on camera, and was murdered in broad daylight by people who are supposed to serve and protect. I had no words. What is this world coming to? People are just getting killed live on video now and nothing is happening. From the pandemic to police brutality, I felt like we were living in our last days. I honestly didn’t think people would act on this situation because of how many others have been murdered; I felt like we were defeated. What makes me different from George Floyd or all the innocent others who lost their lives to police?
I feel grateful to be a part of this generation. I feel that my generation is finishing the work of my ancestors even though I think the people of Chicago could be a little more organized and speak more power like the Black Panther Party. We are waking our ancestors and showing them they did not die in vain.
Since there is still a pandemic going on, I haven't been seeing my Grandmother as often as I would like.. About a week after Floyd’s death, I saw my Grandmother and as we began to discuss this situation, she began to burst out in tears. I hadn't seen my Grandma cry and humble herself in front of me in years.
At this time the lack of empathy, sensitivity, and education is so present today. Though this issue has been around for years, it’s becoming more and more apparent.
Angel Sanders is from the west side of Chicago. She graduated from George Westinghouse College Preparatory and is now pursing a Master’s of Science in professional media management.
