Memphis

♥️♥️♥️ Memphis has always seemed like a magical yet divided city. a distinct line between the haves and the have-not's, even more so than in my hometown of Jackson. My parents' house is 96 miles from this bridge. I’ve headed west over that bridge more times than I can count, landing in places like Albuquerque, Shreveport, Austin, St. Louis, Perry, Des Moines, IA...

Though I enjoy flying, I’ve always enjoyed a car or bus ride; perhaps someday I’ll try a train ride. Seeing the bridge now brings a sense of hope to a very sad mommy's heart. The horrid ending to a blessed soul’s life, Mr. Tyre Nichol's, possessed the same biological spark that every living, breathing person has within.

Tyre’s spark has been lit for eternity, carried by the light of love he’s left behind. His battered body will be laid to rest today, and his light of love will still exist within each person he ever touched, from his mother to the person who reads this and has to google his name because they keep news out of their purview.

Yes, there were dark souls who beat, tortured, and failed to render aid; they failed to show the very basic humanity we all possess. They chose fear over love. They could not, however, extinguish Tyre’s light of love!

That’s what my heart is pulled toward. By shutting up and listening to my brothers and sisters, who have faced far greater tragedy than I or the majority of my family have, it is my responsibility to live in truth, no matter how uncomfortable that may be.

My less melanin-pigmented skin has given me my level of perception, my understanding of the world, my experiences with others and my expectations from life. I want to shake everyone with less pigmented skin until they can all reach into their hearts for compassion and understanding, so that not one other black child's life is cut short due to systematic institutional racism.

I want to elevate the voices of those who have had their freedom taken away because of their skin color. I want to be a beacon of hope and courage that shines brighter than any segregation or oppression experienced before. This is what it means to me to be brave in the face of racism, inequality, and injustice: listening, speaking up, challenging the status quo, We have the power to create a better world. We have the strength of our minds, hands, and hearts to make positive change.

By letting go of our own biases, we can join forces to fight and dismantle institutional racism until it is no longer even a thought in anyone’s mind. Let us be brave in this pursuit, because our efforts will bring about a brighter future for everyone. Together, we can create an equal world where no one is judged or discriminated against because of their race or beliefs. Let us be brave and let our voices be heard! This is true bravery in the face of adversity.

Reverend Al spoke of being a mountain climber during Tyre Nichol's funeral, saying that mountain climbers don't look down; they keep pushing forward, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. Let's keep going and support each other until our society has achieved true justice and equality for all.

We can do this together by opening up dialogue about racism and discrimination. We must be willing to listen to different voices with understanding and respect. To make positive change, we have to be willing to recognize our own biases, prejudices, and privileges and to question them. This can start with simple conversations between friends, family members, and strangers about race and racism, as well as engaging in meaningful activism.

Let us stand up for what is right, let us rise up for justice, and let us strive for the equality that has been denied to so many. Now is the time; now is our chance; let us take it and make a real difference in our society. We can create a future that values diversity and embraces inclusion.

Together, we can make this world a more equitable place. The journey will not be easy, but it is one that we must take if we are to enact real change. We must have courage, humility, and perseverance in order to make lasting progress. It requires us to confront uncomfortable truths about our society and ourselves.

From the European invasion to the chains of slavery, we have to face the fact that our history is full of oppression and inequality. Systemic racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and all other forms of discrimination must be seen for what they are and dealt with.

We must work together to foster understanding and create new ways of seeing the world. Let us make a commitment to equity and justice for all. For every ray of light that breathes on this earthly journey, light love peace and harmony.

Catherine (Cat) Valliere

After a lifetime of exploration; 2020 Covid life, led me to a full time focus on the gifts of meditation, alternative health and spiritual well being. Anything I share comes from a place of healing from within myself and in no way is meant to replace professional medical advice. Please follow my journey...

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A'ho Namaste creates peace movement content and this information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any type of mental or physical issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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