the atrocities of our forebearers are also our own

white people are the invasive species

with us, we have brought other invasive organisms, detrimental to our habitats and the habitats of others- exemplified by the english ivy that blankets this city and its outdoor spaces.

we have created this space for it to grow; our road systems & structures as a trellis-

but we know it is not the fault of the flora.

the fault is ours.

in this, the James River, an immeasurable amount of human trauma has been experienced-

generationally inherited and felt through coursing of its waters, never ending, overflowing.

it is irrelevant that my family immigrated here after the legally sanctioned sale of enslaved people had legally ended.

In the very legislature that banned the involuntary servitude of any person, an exception is made to continue it.

this type of enslavement continues to build our infrastructures.

every moment of every day, I reap the many benefits of my skin and the things it affords me; the benefits of the systems built by others, but designed for white people's benefit.

these systems include the concept of "whiteness"; created to separate "us"
from
"them"

sit with this.
let it choke you, drown you, drag you, swallow you whole.
let it infect you, effect you, and grow.

the work to change these systems must be done by us.

it is time to be uncomfortable.