Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

When your existence is an accomplished fact, and your way of seeing things is the norm, then even if terminated, you are powerful and should still go forth staking your rightful claim as leaders of tomorrow even if today seems bleak. No need being a shadow of who you are. No falling into their trap of complete defeat. No need drowning in any misery of your own doing. And certainly don’t bear the yoke of their oppression with sheepish timidity. Rather swallow this truth as bitter as it may seem and know that change begins with you. Remember who you are and all you stand for. Infuse yourself with pride and dignity and refuse to be misused. The time for looking inward is now. They can never take what they didn’t build. Never distort, disfigure, or destroy it. Never make you hate who you are or what you do. Never make you buy into whatever image they present however negative it may seem. If you must, just to get by, go to the past, the beginning maybe and see what others like you did. The first fight occurred with minimal support and supplies. You have more than those that began this journey. Yours is an uplifting story, an authentic one, not easily controlled or channeled into whatever story they tell themselves. It’s your story afterall and their defeat is eminent. 

Words inspired by Stephen Biko.