Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in ...
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Black People Take Care of Yourselves During These Violent Times



The murders of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and the five cops in Dallas are the result of a society too afraid to acknowledge racism is still a problem in this country. People are too afraid to call out the police. Or because of their racial privilege and racist beliefs think all of these killings of unarmed Black people are justified. And that's in part because they assume the police are always right and Black folks are always up to no good. 

I have relatives and friends who work in law enforcement. I've been pulled over for driving while Black. I've had police help me out. There are great police officers, and like any other profession there are bad cops. There are Black criminals and there are everyday Black people just trying to get through another day. 

I made this video because violence and racism can take a toll on our mental health. Many African-Americans don't have access to quality mental health care. This video was a reminder to take care of your mental health and what you can do to take care of your mental health during these crazy times. 

As I posted on Twitter, 7 people didn't go home to their families over racism. I blame their killers and I blame our justice and criminal systems. As long as bad cops are not prosecuted for murdering and abusing unarmed people of color, these killings will not stop. If our justice system cracked down on racist cops and strongly condemned their behavior, maybe Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and those police officers in Dallas would be alive today. Maybe if more people were open to having an honest conversation about race, those people would be alive. Nobody wins with hate. No one. 

Take care of yourselves and make sure you check in with each other. 

Comments

  1. Samantha July 13, 2016 at 8:00 PM

    Well said! I live in the south and I know this all too well. It's unfortunate there are so many police officers, who we are supposed to trust to protect us, that are criminals themselves.
    Off topic, but wow you really remind me of your dad in this video! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenee DardenJuly 13, 2016 at 8:17 PM

      I agree. And bad cops make it harder for good cops.

      Do the glasses remind you of my dad? LOL

      Delete

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