Weekend Roundup
Honoring Legacies and Telling Our Stories
Hey, Community,
This week has been heavy. While devastating wildfires and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza dominate the news, these stories reflect systemic failures and highlight the resilience of those impacted. The ongoing TikTok ban debate, meanwhile, raises questions about digital rights, privacy, and how we navigate freedom of expression in a polarized world. Each of these challenges reminds us to prioritize equity, justice, and bold action in all areas of life. This seems even more urgent now as we are approaching the president-elect’s inauguration landing on MLK Day (the irony is impossible to ignore), I’ve been holding onto hope and resolve. There’s so much to unpack, and even more work to do. Using my 3D Power Tools Framework, let’s reflect on this week and focus on how we move forward with purpose.
A Stark Inauguration on MLK Day
Donald Trump’s inauguration falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a collision of contrasts. Dr. Bernice King reflected on this during her interview with GPB Talk Studio, describing it as a moment that forces us to reckon with who we are as a nation and as humanity:
“It’s right in our face as a humanity that no matter what’s happening or what people feel about that day of the inauguration, this is a reminder of who we are to be, how we are to operate and function and act as a nation, as a humanity.” — Dr. Bernice King
“Shared Date of King Holiday and Trump Inauguration Brings Culture Clash” by Ernie Suggs of UATL
King emphasized that these coinciding on the same day is a divine call to revisit her father’s teachings and methodologies, particularly the mindset of nonviolence and justice. She urged us to consider this year’s King Center theme: Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.
“What is possible is that we can continue to cultivate and protect freedom, justice, and democracy if we align ourselves with the teachings of my father.”
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II has called for “prophetic listening sessions” during the inauguration, encouraging us to critically evaluate the words spoken and understand the struggles ahead. “Dr. King didn’t turn away from struggle. He turned toward it,” Barber said. This is a moment to recommit to the fight for justice, equity, and truth.
As for me, I’ll be attending Crispus Attucks Community Center’s 37th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at Millersville University, themed Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny, where Ijeoma Oluo will reflect on the urgency of collective action and unity amidst division. Ijeoma recently reflected on collective liberation on her Substack, urging us to remember that the world doesn’t have to be this way. She reminds us that freedom is possible if we dare to imagine and build it together. In her latest writings, she challenges us to dismantle systems we benefit from, embrace discomfort, and center care in the work of collective liberation. Her words inspire me to think about how we can center care, equity, and bold action in our pursuit of justice and collective liberation.
Discover: Honoring and Protecting Stories
This week, Mark Christopher Jefferson, writing for A Native Son, highlighted the enduring resonance of Toni Morrison’s wisdom:
“Sometimes you don't survive whole, you just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt. It’s not about that solution. It is about being as fearless as one can, and behaving as beautifully as one can, under completely impossible circumstances.” —Toni Morrison
Morrison reminds us that life’s beauty lies in striving for dignity, curiosity, and love, even in the face of hardship. Her reflections on survival and resilience call us to embrace the art of living authentically, even when the odds feel insurmountable.
As I was reading this, I was reminded of James Baldwin’s words: “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” Books, like Morrison’s, connect us to shared truths and inspire us to imagine new possibilities. They’re lifelines to hope and transformation.
Luvvie Ajayi Jones emphasized this urgency further, reminding us that stories are under attack. With book bans, educational devaluation, and silenced voices, we must prioritize documenting our experiences and preserving wisdom. As she said, “Procrastination is entitlement to time you were not promised.” Let’s honor Morrison, Baldwin, and others who have given us blueprints for navigating turbulent times while committing to telling our own stories.
While in Atlanta in April 2024, my daughter, Jojo, and I visited the King Center, where the tombs of Dr. King and his wife reside.
Discern: Aligning With Our Values
This week’s events challenge us to examine how we align our values with our actions:
Carrying Dr. King’s Legacy Forward: Are we showing up for equity, nonviolence, and truth in our communities?
Protecting Stories: How are we preserving and amplifying voices that challenge power and inspire change?
Addressing Global Challenges Locally: What can we do, right where we are, to make a difference in the fights for justice and dignity?
Determine: Actions to Take
Here’s how we can show up this week:
Honor MLK’s Legacy
Reflect on Dr. King’s teachings and share his message of justice in your community
Attend a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event to engage in meaningful conversations about equity and meaningful change
Protect and Share Stories
Document your truth—whether through journaling, writing a book, or recording family history
Support independent bookstores, libraries, and publishers that champion diverse narratives
Support Mental Health and Resilience
Create space for yourself and others to process the challenges of this week. Host a small gathering or virtual chat focused on collective care
Share resources that promote mental health, such as mindfulness practices or community support networks
Act on Economic Equity
Shift your spending to support businesses owned by historically marginalized communities. Use directories like Shop Black Owned or support local artisans
Share stories of businesses owned by historically marginalized groups on your social media or community networks. (Thank you for your messages this week!)
Address Global and Local Challenges
Support Altadena families to keep their history alive. Donate directly to impacted families via this crowdfunding link.
Help wildfire recovery efforts through Direct Relief or the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund.
Support international aid organizations providing relief in Gaza, such as UNRWA or Doctors Without Borders.
Final Thoughts
Before I go, I want to share a resource that might help as we navigate these challenging times. I recently updated a post, “I See You Black Woman: 10 Practices for Self-Soothing and 22 Influencers to Follow to (Re)claim Calm Amidst Political Chaos.” It offers strategies to stay grounded, reduce stress, and focus on building the future we envision.
And y’all—I started my writing journey with just 19 subscribers, and now we’re at 67! THANK YOU for your support and for being part of this growing community. Let’s keep pushing forward together.
The fight for justice is messy, it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it. Week by week, step by step, we’re building a world where equity and dignity aren’t just dreams—they’re our reality.
In solidarity, action, and love,
Amber
P.S. We greatly appreciate the love for our inaugural podcast episode! If you haven’t listened or watched yet, please take some time to check it out and let me know what you think. (Your reviews and ratings greatly help!)
Also, what questions you would like Emma and I to tackle next?