Week 1: Reflections by Maria Takahashi

Group: Liberation from Internalized Racial Oppression, facilitated by Michelle Fujii
By Maria Takahashi - St. Paul, MN

Breaking the cycle of misunderstanding

Sitting in my inbox - "Our call to action"
The email that triggered a chain reaction
The message was directed, loud and clear
Why George was murdered, confirming my fear

The fact that I had part in ignorance and silence
That result in suffering and extreme violence
How I misunderstood silence for harmony
Letting white supremacy keep power and money

The sense of self, identity is shaken
Where do I stand, my senses awaken
Why do I appease a certain population?
And let others go and live with frustration?

I feel embarrassed for not critically question
Making excuses for senseless oppression
If I am to live with myself, today and beyond

The days of no action must long be gone