The new normal we got
isn’t what I’d envisioned.
There are still racist systems
that have kept us imprisoned
by denial and lies
–a history’s retelling,
a prettier story’s been told,
but I won’t buy what they’re selling.
I won’t turn a blind eye
to centuries of damage.
In the face of injustice,
I’ll continue to be outraged.
Those who shirk are complicit
in the deep harms compounding.
Their persistent denial
is for some so confounding.
The answer is clear,
they are serving themselves.
And forsaking all others
for their comfort and wealth.
The riches enjoyed are taken as given.
Their new normal is just more
of the privilege they live in.

It’s time for real change,
and what’s been normal be damned.
We can do this together.
Draw a line in the sand.
It’s time we live up to
the this country’s bright promise.
With the strength of our people
I know that we’ve got this.