I can’t breathe

Writers change the world – through media, music, even posters and t-shirts.

“I can’t breathe.”

“Say His Name.”

“If you were peaceful, we wouldn’t have to protest.”

#blacklivesmatter

Ideas and words shape hearts and minds. This week, I wrestled with how to serve my writing community, and not ignore the biggest civil rights protests since the 1960s. I believe writers’ voices are often unique, thought-through, persuasive, and powerful.

I am in the business of empowering writers’ voices.

So, I decided to help writers write about the events of the last two weeks in a three day Write-In. This was not intended to be a “political” event, nor to become a discussion or argument. There is room for that kind of expression in public. (In fact there is great cry and need for people to be heard.)

In the Write Without the Fight FB Group, we talk about writing think about the internal fight we face when trying to express our true voices. I wanted to sustain a safe space to empower authentic voices – even if I didn’t agree with that voice. The beauty of valuing writers’ voices, is you don’t have to govern their voices. I trust their voices, and help them trust their own.

I pulled quotes and facts from diverse press sources, to help the writers begin with information and then asked questions to help them frame their thoughts – whether they wanted to clarify their thoughts for themselves, or for publication, postings, blogs, storylines, etc. The purpose of the Write-In was to give writers the opportunity and information about the current events, so they could write with confidence.

These are difficult times, and it can be hard to express what you see and feel. It can feel scary that you’ll misstep, or be called “tone-deaf.” You can have legitimate cross-concerns, but do they measure up to black LIVES? It can all feel awkward and better left unaddressed. This cannot be farther from the truth – because this time, it is big. It is national. It is in its 11th day of large protests in dozens of cities. And whites and blacks are represented in most protests 40/60%. People want this change, nationwide. And so this is important material for writers to sort and write about.

On Day 1 our Write-In focused on the events that precipitated the protests – the killing of George Floyd.

Prompt #1: “I can’t breathe.” 

To read a poetic account of the events, minute-by-minute, go here.  It’s a beautiful read, and takes less than 8 minutes and 46 seconds to read.

“He was so casual about what he was doing…” (Brian Williams) “We saw him shifting his weight, we saw him look into the distance.”

“A man with his hands in his pockets as this man is taking the last breaths in his life. What we saw with our own eyes…” (Nicholle Wallace) MSNBC

Q: Was it murder to kill George Floyd in the “line of duty?” If due process is required before you can form an opinion as to the officers’ guilt, was due process required for George Floyd for allegedly passing a forged $20 bill before Officer Chauvin arrested him and held his knee on his neck? Is it reasonable to assume the officer considered Floyd guilty without a trial? 

To see three more prompts with context and background information – about George Floyd’s death – look in the Files tab in the Write Without the Fight FB group. (If you’re not a member, ask to join…)

• Prompt #2: Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter
• Prompt #3: Peaceful protest – Kaepernick 
• Prompt #4: Grief

On Day 2, we addressed policing.

Prompt #1: “Kettling” in Logan Circle

This real-time tweet tells the story:

Q: In what circumstances is it called for/okay to use military-style tactics on citizens? Or bring in military forces to help control protestors or “civil unrest?”

To see three more prompts with context and background information – about policing in America – look in the Files tab in the Write Without the Fight FB group. (If you’re not a member, ask to join…)

• Prompt #2: What is the history of policing? Is it getting worse?
• Prompt #3: Do Blue Lives Matter?
• Prompt #4: Chokeholds are illegal in 50 states – since 1990

Finally, on Day 3 we looked at the President and the 1st Amendment

Prompt #1: The First Amendment

The precise language of the First Amendment is: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Q: Are the current protests lawful and protected by the First Amendment? Why or Why not?

To see three more prompts with context and background information – about the President and the 1st Amendment – look in the Files tab in the Write Without the Fight FB group. (If you’re not a member, ask to join…)

• Prompt #2: When the looting starts, the shooting starts
• Prompt #3: Insurrection Act of 1807
• Prompt #4: You can’t believe your crying eyes

Lots to think about, write about. The full 12 prompts can be found – free of course – in the FB group, under the Files Tab. This Write-in meant a lot to me, and to the people who showed up day after day to share in these thought-provoking and informative prompts, and then write from the heart. I’m grateful for this community and the writers’ voices that we put forth!