San Francisco Part Two: Travel, Truth, and Resistance

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou 

I am so incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to go to San Francisco again. My experience last year with this same immersion was genuinely everything I could have asked for and more. I was able to go on so many adventures with a group of amazing individuals who were just as enthusiastic about being there as I was. During the trip last year, I felt a wide array of emotions, and I learned an incredible amount of invaluable knowledge. I know that this year will share those same aspects, so I can’t wait to do it all one more time. 

Because I have the power to do so, and because I have a duty as a future social worker, I am going to address something very critical. There are a lot of events and changes going on in our current world. Regardless of whether or not you pay attention to the news, social media, or politics, this is an unavoidable fact. Harmful legal implementations are disintegrating not only our country, but our entire world. People are being sent to prisons with horrifying conditions because they are being removed from the United States without due process. Families are being separated, people are dying every day, and some people’s whereabouts are completely unknown. 

I distinctly remember witnessing a protest last year in San Francisco related to the genocide being brought upon the people of Palestine. There were a multitude of people laying down in the middle of an intersection, several people surrounding the edges with signs, and someone using a bullhorn to speak and lead call-and-response chants. I was in awe and felt such a strong sense of pride because people were organizing and advocating in a powerful and succinct method. It is disheartening to know that there is still a need for this organization and advocacy for the people of Palestine. They are still suffering from a genocide that should have ended long ago (and shouldn’t have happened in the first place). 

I would be lying if I said that I am unaffected by the events of our world. I have spent many days and nights crying and paralyzed by overwhelming feelings of despair and hopelessness. It’s important to allow space for these feelings, since they serve as a stark reminder of why we have to continue to fight for the rights of every person. But it is also important to not dwell in those emotions, because fuel without fire is stagnant and futile. Everyone has a place in advocacy, and there are no small roles. We fight in spite of despair and hopelessness because we believe in and hope for a better future. 

Pride is a celebration, yes, but it is (and always will be) a protest first. The fight for people’s rights has been going on for centuries. Those who have come before us have laid the groundwork, carrying us on their shoulders in the marathon that is advocacy. We don’t always realize it, but we are now carrying those who will come after us in the same way. I don’t say this to frighten anyone, but rather to encourage and embolden those who need it most. If you need to, take a breather, take a water break, take a moment to collect yourself, but don’t stop and lay down. Taking care of yourself is also an act of resistance, because being resilient is not linear. 

Below in this blog post, I have included a poem I recently wrote. I hold it very near and dear to my heart, and I have gone back to read it several times as a reminder to continue to fight. I have also shared it with others before who I believed could use a boost. I hope that it does the same for you. You are powerful, you are strong, and you are loved. Thank you for your time. 

Reading an article about a double homicide, 

While a baby screeches with joy less than 5 feet away. 

Protesters preaching outside of a drag show, 

While attendees scream with excitement inside the venue. 

Endless executive orders ripping away my freedom, 

While my friends send me messages of comfort and support. 

Parents degrading children for their identities and beliefs, 

While their siblings open their arms with love. 

It’s everywhere. 

It. Is. Everywhere. 

Hate. 

And resistance. 

Joy is resistance. 

Love is resistance. 

Hate will always exist, 

But so will everything good in this world. 

So, resist.