In Loving Memory
Right now, nothing is more dangerous to our communities than the concept of White Replacement Theory, and the toxic lies that are rooted in nothing but FEAR. Domestic Terrorism must end.
We honor the victims of the Buffalo Massacre, may we always remember their names and faces.
This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of George Floyd who was murdered on Memorial Day of 2020.
Hey Fam,
Before you start the grill and plan a Memorial Day cookout, you know we have to do one thing: Thank the mamas! *Que Tupac, Dear Mama*
We know Mother’s Day has passed, but it is ALWAYS time to celebrate the mother figures in our lives! To the mothers, the grandmothers, the aunts, from god-mom to bonus moms and everyone in between…I salute you. I owe the women in my family, godmothers, mentors, and many of my friends’ mothers so much for their wisdom, encouragement, and love. Their continued support of my growth, work, and journey have undoubtedly fueled my success and my resilience. Too often we take our moms for granted and while we honor and appreciate them today, and everyday we can never truly thank them enough for the sacrifices they make.
My mom aka Mama Rye aka Dr. Rye is supernatural. She worked full time until retirement. She made and packed my lunch nearly every day until I was a sophomore in high school (and I suggested she can stop because I was eating off campus a lot more). She chaperoned weekend ski trips, so we had another bonding experience. Even when they were at odds, my mother has never had a negative word to say about Papa Rye. She was working toward her doctorate while I was in high school. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the duration of her program (even when this HEFFA tried to plagiarize her work). My mom’s wisdom is divine. Whenever I call her to seek advice, I know her wise counsel will not be instant. She ALWAYS calls the next day with gems! She has been the most consistent, sacrificing person in my life.
A tribute to mom, also means a tribute to the village. The ones nurturing the movement, continuing to affirm our space in society, we love y’all! You know those women that pull you to the side right before you’re about to go off on a colleague? The ones who give you a pep talk in the bathroom while you wipe your tears of frustration? (DAMN! I might be old enough to be one of them now…SMH!) When times are tough and when they are easy, you have been right there in the thick of it standing tall, protecting, loving and helping women build better versions of ourselves. I see y’all.
So to the mothers, the mentors and all the women in the village, thank you. We love you more than words can ever say.
Now that I got that out of the way, can we take a minute to digest everything that has occurred so far in the month of May…
GOTV! It’s time to Get Out The Vote!
In addition to being known as the Truth Bringer in chief- I’ve also been known to say exactly what I’m thinking- but we can talk about where I got that from during Father’s Day (hey Papa Rye!)- so let me just keep it real with you. May is confirming what we already know to be sure… the fight is far from over. For many of you, it is primary season and ALL of you have the opportunity to get out and vote. While I am confident that you understand the value of voting, part of being in the village is ensuring that our entire community also understands the importance of showing up to the polls and choosing people that represent our community and our interests. The progress that we have made is a testament to how powerful we are–as a collective we can move mountains.
The women in our families fought a mighty battle for us to be able to place Vice President Kamala Harris, and Supreme Court Justice Kentaji Jackson Brown in the history books (well, if these fools stop hating on REAL history), and although they are the “firsts”, we have to make sure they are not the “last”!
As we honor our mothers, both here on earth and the ones watching over us, we know that the ultimate sign of their appreciation is to continue their legacy by showing up in all the spaces where our ancestors were once denied entry and telling the stories that others have tried to silence.
Our voices, our bodies and the ability to make choices all belong to us… that’s our true power and THAT’s on ya mama, dawg!
Congratulations Graduates!
And last but certainly not least…
To the Graduating Class of 2022…you did it!
You toiled through the pandemic, you made it through the storm, you worked hard, stayed prayed up and now look at you! You finished.
In the spirit of the late, great Nipsey Hussle, it’s a marathon, not a race, so while you bask in all the glory of completing this part of your journey, your work is not done, you have barely tapped your full potential and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Speaking of what’s next, we want to give special recognition to the Professional Development Program participants, who are graduating this year. Our team at IMPACT Strategies and A. Rye Inc are extremely proud of you and know you will be amazing professionals!
Shout out to Saisha White, who now serves as The Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant for Congresswoman Frederica Wilson | FL-24.
Sending you all the love, joy, freedom, justice, and power you can stand.
Righteously and cheerfully,
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