By Sha Michael

In the woven garment of our current state of the world, there is a fabric of injustice that is sewn into our society. It is sewn into our justice system, our education system, our employment system, our healthcare system, entertainment industry, economy, and media. Until we unravel this hem, we will continue to produce a silhouette of oppression and discrimination. A silhouette that disproportionately adorns the curves and lines of people Of Color, who are now rejecting this garment. In the distressing wake of Covid-19, it has shown a light on the healthcare system with a paucity in the communities of color. This is a fire that has always been burning, but our society is finally au courant of the smoke in view of Covid-19. We are hearing the constant vociferation of, “wear a mask,” as we should, since wearing a mask is an essential part of saving lives and preventing the spread of Covid-19. In comparison, there is no mask for racism, no vaccine for “I can’t breathe.” Prejudice is the virus that has plagued this country for centuries and is deeply woven into every corner of our culture and government. 

 

The fabric of racism is also produced in the fashion industry. There is a lack of black designers being represented, with little presence in fashion editorials or licensing deals, as well as major retail stores. The talent of pioneered designers like B Michael and Stephen Burrows cannot be ignored and has paved the way for more diversity in the industry. But there is still a void and an imbalance of color in the fashion industry: if fashion is about a color palette where is the Color?

 

‘It Hurts to Breathe’: Jacob Blake Speaks Publicly for First Time from Hospital Bed 

 

 

In the entertainment industry racism still makes debuts, while producers Of Color face the arduous challenge of securing funding to successfully bring their movies to the big screen. Even with the recent rise of actors of color being cast more, in television or film roles, there is still the dilemma of being an actor Of Color in Hollywood. The late and talented actor Chadwick Boseman said these memorable words, “To be young, gifted and black […] we all know what it’s like to be told that there is not a place for you to be featured, yet you are young gifted and black, we know what it’s like to be told to say that there’s not a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on.” 

 

George Floyd has ruffled the feathers of this nation and exposed the systems that allow or excuse this pattern of violence. This has caused our nation to be catapulted to a new movement. In this new movement of white allies protesting with us, and Congressional Democrats taking a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds at the capital, there is an outpour of outstanding voices speaking out for change and justice. Hollywood celebrities are using their platform, media correspondents like Don Lemon and Al Sharpton are fearless in bringing unfiltered news to our television and media streams. Young people all over this nation have a passion to speak out and are aggressive in the pursuit of change. The goal is to end systemic racism and have what everyone is entitled to…equality. Maya Angelou said it best, “Equal rights, fair play, are all like the air, we all have it, or none of us has it.”