One of my favourite pieces of writing (in fact, please read it at my funeral) is “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” by African American poet, Audre Lourde. The piece was introduced to me by a French girl – a feisty feminist and a fabulous friend, she opened up certain boxes in my brain that I had not realised were so tightly shut.
In The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action, AudreLourde says “….because I am a black woman warrior poet, doing my work and come to ask you, are you doing yours…?”
Much of the work done on @263Chat is speaking truth to power; encouraging leaders to do the work that they are supposed to be doing. There are cries for justice, and calls for correction. Sometimes there are acknowledgements of progress or recognition of right-doing. It is a powerful platform for the expression of views about the world around us. This is important, because we have to require more of our leaders in order for us toget the results we want.
But what about requiring more of ourselves? And of one another? What about you doing the work that you are supposed to be doing?
And I am not talking about what you do from eight to five, whether it’s writing reports or caring for children. I am talking about the more fundamental tasks of taking responsibility for where you are as a person, and where we are as a nation, as a continent: the thinking, questioning, comparing, understanding, analysing and unpacking. The work of introspection.
I am wondering whether you are spending enough time wondering about the role you play in the way things are – especially the things you tend to complain about. This is my work. To ask questions and to tell stories that encouragenew thinking to happen.
In 2016, I challenge you to do your work. If you keep an eye on this platform, you’ll see that I am doing mine.
