A Day to Celebrate Love
Against the foggy drizzly shores of the northwest coast of America, my sister continues to travel on her journey of love with her partner of many years. It's a celebration not just of their union but of the rich tapestry of ancestry that intertwines our lives.
Our family history is woven with threads of diversity, resilience, and acceptance. Growing up, my dad experienced firsthand the weight of societal prejudice. In a community where conformity was the norm, my grandparents dared to defy the racial barriers of their time. Despite facing ostracization, they opened their hearts and home to black children who needed refuge. In the face of adversity, they chose compassion over conformity.
For my dad, embracing this new reality wasn't immediate. He was hesitant to accept that my sister would have children with someone of a different racial background, unsure of what this blending of cultures would mean for our family. But with time, I believe he’s come to see that he has the opportunity to love beyond color, creed, or background.
In my own life, I’ve always valued understanding and diversity. My grandfather, lovingly nicknamed Whitey, would tell me “everybody has a story”. Thanks to him I listen. I welcome diversity into my life. Joining international clubs, talking to people of other cultures, studying abroad, and learning.
I found myself especially learning from roommates and coworkers who hailed from different corners of the world, especially whilst I worked on cruise lines. Through their stories, I’ve gained insight into cultures and traditions that were worlds apart from our own.
Yet, amidst the celebration, there are echoes of pain, reminders of a history marred by injustice and inequality. My sister feels it to the depths of her soul, the sting of prejudice that lingers in the shadows. It's in the subtle glances, the whispered judgments, and the symbols of oppression that still haunt our society.
Recently, the world has grappled with a new challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. As vaccines offer hope for a brighter tomorrow, we confront another stark reality—the hesitance of the black community to embrace vaccination. It's a hesitance born not out of ignorance but out of a history of medical gaslighting and abuse.
Generations of systemic racism have eroded trust in healthcare systems, leaving scars that run deep. From the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to present-day disparities in access and treatment, the wounds of the past continue to shape the present. It's a painful reminder that progress often comes at a cost, demanding vigilance and accountability at every turn.
As we stand at the crossroads of our shared history, we have a choice—to repeat the mistakes of the past or to forge a path of healing and reconciliation. It's a choice that requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to confront our own biases.
In celebrating my sister's marriage, we honor not just the love between two individuals but the resilience of the human spirit. We celebrate the bonds that unite us, transcending borders and barriers. And we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where love knows no bounds, where diversity is celebrated, and where every voice is heard.
As we journey forward, may we carry with us the lessons of our past, the hope of our present, and the promise of a future where all are truly free to love and be loved.
