SCRIPT:

We have heard 2020 being described in many ways

It’s apocalyptic

The world is imploding

We’re on the brink of civil war

There is no doubt that we are in the midst of something historic

And while things may look to be bleak for some time to come as we grapple with the pandemic and the ripple effects on our communities 

I have to say, I have honestly never felt more hopeful about the future of this country

Because we are confronting difficult truths in an unprecedented manner -

truths that have been distorted, obscured, and in many cases, intentionally concealed-- 

This reckoning is happening on a scale so great, that, I think most would agree, we will not be the same tomorrow.

We are asking ourselves questions and reimagining possibilities that only a few months ago, would have seemed wildly radical to many. 

And this is what is giving me a sense of hope that I didn’t think was possible

I want to invite you to radically imagine with me for a moment

Imagine

• What it would look like if we created systems of safety that center those who have actually been most harmed?

• …. if we prioritized restorative justice over punitive justice?

• Imagine living in a country without a prison industrial complex?
  

• without children in cages?
  

• Imagine if we truly acknowledged our histories of settler-colonialism, enslavement, and racial injustice?
  

• What would it look like if this was reflected in our policies, in our textbooks, and in our monuments?

• Imagine  living in a country that truly prioritizes the needs of its communities?
  

• …... if our communities were prepared for a public health crisis, before it arrives?
  

• Imagine  if every person was truly seen as equal under the law?

  • Every person of color, every trans person, every person with a disability, every person regardless of citizenship status
    

• What would our communities look like if every person had access to
  

  • Housing

• Healthcare 

• mental healthcare

• A job with livable wages

• Food security

• childcare

• education

None of these are new concepts - the groundwork has been laid by those who have been working towards them for years.

What’s changed are the numbers of those listening 

Never before have I witnessed this level of collective engagement, re-education, and action.

We are at the threshold of a profound and essential shift. 

In fact, it has already begun...but we need to keep it going 

Whatever action you are taking or commitments you are making, continue to follow through

We may falter along the way and the path may be slow at times and laden with challenges – but the important thing to remember, is that it is a path we must remain on.

Thank you