Carlton Turner | November 9, 2016
Carlton Turner shared this message with Alternate ROOTS’ staff and Executive Committee the morning after the election.
Good Morning,
I know that you are all disappointed with the outcome of last night’s election. Take your time processing this moment. It is historic, and will have ramifications far into our future. It is hard to comprehend, but it is not new. I live in Mississippi, and my people have seen this type of ugliness before.
It is not new.
But in this new moment we must hold our footing. We will continue to be steadfast in the face of hate. We will continue to create space for those that have been pushed to the margins to speak confidently in their own voice. We will continue to be a champion for all artists that are challenging the status quo. We will continue to deepen our analysis. We will continue to act out of love and not fear. We will continue to be a force for change and transformation.
This is what we do.
So take your time processing. Not just the election, but the economic, political, community, and environmental conditions that have led us to this point. It didn’t start, nor will it end, with Trump. Freedom is a constant struggle, and we are 40 years deep in our work as a coalition of cultural workers striving to eliminate all forms of oppression.
This is what we do.
So be not afraid of this moment, for the darkness is where our lights will shine most bright. Take your time to process, and let’s get to work on securing our future, and the futures of our children.
I love you all and I am here if you want to talk.
Peace