to you

When I first read Dave Martin’s poetic address to AoR, I was surprised that this group could have such an effect on a person. I remember discussing it with Heather, explaining that I could only barely relate, while secretly wishing that I could extract something so meaningful from my membership. However, the power of time is quite astounding, as it has transformed that membership into kinship for me. It gave me the opportunity to reflect and evaluate myself, this person who I realized, like Dave, Chris, and so many others, would be lost without Act on Racism. And look out, if it has not already, it will happen to you.

My experience with AoR has commenced my aspirations to change the world. This group gave me so much hope that I cannot explain it here. All I can show is gratitude to happenstance, God, the universe, fate, and whatever else is responsible for my membership and hope that I will encounter something similar when I am even more than three hours away, serving others who are oppressed by the burdens that society has placed upon them. In Detroit, I am reminded daily of the injustices that social norms, bias, ignorance, and intolerance cause. Yes, these phenomena exist globally, but my presence among you individuals has allowed me to cope with them, and knowing your stories has given me the will to continue as an advocate and activist. Together, we possess enlightenment that effects change, and upon realizing that I have never felt more empowered. Without AoR, I would be in a corner crying somewhere, wondering how the hell I could ever impact anything. You people, with all your nerve and knowledge--with your mere presence--help me not to abandon my purpose. I miss you.

Depressingly, due to lack of funds, I am unable to attend the performance tomorrow. (Trust, Heather has already bullied me about it so I feel even worse than before.) Still, I wanted you to know the purpose that this group has created in my life so that you will shine on stage and do the same for the rest of GV. Our work means something, and to some, everything. I love and miss acting on racism with you. Hopefully, we can do it again sometime (crying now). Until then, fuck up some racism and break a leg!