Like a lot of things in this year of reckoning, some of the messages in the coloring pages I created just a couple of months ago in response to COVID are no longer relevant or even appropriate for the horrific violence that has occurred recently against Black individuals and communities. To be clear- this type of violence has been going on since the arrival of white people on this continent (we just have cell phone video cameras now and social media which allows it to go viral).
Black communities and leaders began the movement towards equality a very long long time ago. I continue to learn from them, and show up (imperfectly) and listen to interviews with thought leaders like Austin Channing Brown who describes this work eloquently- “The work of Antiracism is becoming a better human to other humans.”
This particular moment in time has revealed new momentum for Antiracist work and it is up to all of us to show up as we can, with what we have to offer to push it towards a tipping point of real change. My starting point is always art so that’s what I offer you here.
I created 5 new coloring pages for free download on my website. Doing art calms our nervous system, slows our breathing and allows us to process information in a less reactive, more reflective way. Take the time to sit with the message and then post the coloring pages around your neighborhood, or use them as a starting point to create your own messages of love and solidarity to share with your community. Two nights ago, my local artist group Moonlight Collective pasted 40-50 signs we had created along the main corridor of our neighborhood. We plan to do the same thing every week in different neighborhoods around the city.
Is it enough? No. As I wrote in my last email, there is much more to be done, but I believe in these types of small actions, and the ripple effect of shifting even a handful of people’s perspectives alongside the other work we are doing inside ourselves and in our families and communities. I’d love to hear what you think about the coloring pages and the small or big ways you’re showing up right now. Please share your thoughts and, as always, I love seeing your own designs if you are moved to share.
Here’s to creativity as a means for creating change and taking a stand for justice.
In Solidarity,
Jen