Violence Anywhere Affects Violence Everywhere

A few weeks ago, in the wake of another mass shooting - this time targeting African Americans in Jacksonville, FL - I wrote an essay here urging us to see hate as the root of the rampant violence unfolding around us. My dear friend Jenn, an intersectional activist who consistently uses her social media platforms to educate and raise awareness on a range of issues (disability justice, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, animal rights and more), wrote a POWERFUL response to these thoughts. I felt it was important to include her heartfelt and brilliant words on our website as well (and on her birthday, too!)

Jenn in the beauty of nature!

Each sentence is a challenge to each of us to examine the ways we can show up, moving beyond complacency and into courageous action, because as Jenn tells us: “When we ignore violence in one place, we may inadvertently sow the seeds of conflict and suffering that could eventually reach our own doorstep.” Jenn challenges us to understand hate is far reaching and spreads “like wildfire,” ignoring it (even if we are not personally impacted) is never an option: “Silence only empowers hate; it’s our collective voice that drown it out.”

Please follow her work on IG: @montana_ mountain_momma (her stories are always packed full of educational resources!) May her insightful words support you along your own activist journey - for each us is inextricably linked to one another.