Our workforce weighs in as they replicate on 2023, and what’s forward in 2024.
We’re on this collectively
By Reshonda Tate
As we method the tip of 2023, I need to take a second to replicate on the unbelievable journey we’ve had collectively in overlaying tales that resonate inside the Black group. This 12 months has been stuffed with moments of development, resilience, and empowerment, and it has been each an honor and a privilege to share these narratives with you.
All year long, we’ve delved into tales which have made a profound affect, tales which have sparked conversations, and tales which have caused constructive change. From highlighting the achievements of Black people breaking limitations to addressing vital social points, it has been a satisfying expertise to contribute to the wealthy tapestry of our narrative.
As we stand on the cusp of a brand new 12 months, I’m excited in regards to the alternatives and challenges that 2024 will convey. I sit up for persevering with our journey collectively and bringing you much more insightful, impactful, and hard-hitting tales. My dedication to shedding gentle on the varied experiences, achievements, and challenges inside the Black group stays unwavering.
Thanks in your continued assist, engagement, and encouragement all through this 12 months. Your suggestions and involvement have been invaluable, and I’m genuinely grateful for the group we’ve got constructed. Let’s embark on the upcoming 12 months with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a shared dedication to telling tales that matter. Wishing you a joyous vacation season and a affluent New 12 months stuffed with constructive tales, significant connections, and impactful moments.
Right here’s to 2024 and the tales we’ll uncover collectively!
Comfortable New 12 months?!?
By Aswad Walker
My Defender colleagues see me because the loopy previous man who’s at all times ranting in regards to the gloom and doom we’re dealing with as Blackfolk. They usually could also be proper. As a result of I can’t, for the lifetime of me, perceive why everyone seems to be so calm when the Insurrectionist-in-Chief has an excellent likelihood of re-taking the White Home the place he’s promised to research/punish anybody (journalists, elected officers, DAs) who criticizes or disagrees with him. That’s Hitler-level. And his workforce (see www.Project2025.org) is boldly publicizing their plan to destroy democracy and place all political, financial and punishment energy into his little fingers (actually the definition of a dictator). Trump’s individuals even created a cute title for his or her dastardly ambitions – “Purple Caesarism.”
They’re banking on Black individuals being too apathetic, too jaded, or too ignorant to avoid wasting democracy like we at all times do through voting. I do know we who civilized the world aren’t too ignorant. However we could also be too apathetic or too pissed off to point out up and vote like we have to. So, I rant and scream; not as a result of all I see is gloom and doom. Simply the alternative. I see our individuals having the ability and potential (the “one thing inside so sturdy”) to revive ourselves to our former place of dignity and energy on the planet, and construct the fact we would like, want and deserve. We will have a Comfortable New 12 months, nevertheless it’s gonna be on us to make it occur.
Reflecting on the previous, shifting to the long run
By Laura Onyeneho
One other 12 months has come and gone. That doesn’t imply we will’t replicate on the magic that’s certainly Black individuals and tradition!
Considered one of my highlights this 12 months is exploring Black excellence in numerous fields, together with tradition, arts, and training. For my part, these fields are sometimes undervalued and wish platforms just like the Defender to spotlight the efforts of Black educators and creatives who not solely educate the following technology of Black youth however bravely handle our historical past, social points, and inequities affecting our communities by way of their work. I need to give a particular shout out to all of the individuals who’ve allowed me into their inventive areas and had been weak about their challenges and desires for the long run.
2023 revealed that there’s nonetheless a number of work that lies forward. Let’s step into the brand new 12 months with hope and the data that we’ll proceed to form a future the place Black individuals thrive collectively. Right here’s to a promising and empowering 12 months forward!
