By Dr. Akilah Cadet
May 25th, 2020 my life changed forever. A day where I celebrate my Mom's birthday has become a reminder of when it all changed. The work I've been doing for years was (still is) in demand. I worked 19 days straight, no breaks, because I needed to do something for Mr. George Floyd. Today we remember him. Today we thank Mr. Floyd for changing the world.
A year ago you found me on social media.
My Father calls it the Floyd Effect. You know where businesses, celebrities, media outlets, influencers, and people like you are learning to speak up about injustices and striving to be anti-rac Mr. Floyd's murder was heard, well viewed, around the world.
As the video circulated you may have seen humanity in Black people for the first time. I cried for 19 days. I pushed myself in a way I have never done in my entire career. I wanted to protect Black people by educating white people. The interest white people had to change and use their privilege for good was unlike I've ever seen before.
I was stuck between self care and building generational wealth. I lost 15 pounds and haven't been able to gain it back. My business scaled during the start of the pandemic due to a senseless murder by police. I traumatize myself every day doing this work. I sacrifice a lot and at times risk my health (invisible disability) to make this world better. I hear Mr. Floyd's voice all the time. When I become a mother I'll think of his final words.
Thank you Mr. Floyd. You changed my life.
If your life has not changed in this past year ask yourself why? Do you do the work? Are you doing the work? Are you advocating for local and federal legislation so this won't happen again? How are you holding yourself and others accountable? What have you done to advocate for Black people? If you only participated in the Summer of Allyship then it's time you reset, show up, speak up, and do the work!
For more information about George Floyd and steps you can take visit the George Floyd Memorial Foundation.