News

Statement from Franchelle Parker, Executive Director

On the morning of May 14, 2022, I was on my way to Tops supermarket to get an unsweetened iced tea and a Boston cream doughnut. It seems like that combination of snacks gives me the motivation to clean off my desk, getting rid of things that time didn’t allow during the work week. On my drive, my sister called me and asked if I wanted to go plant shopping, so I made a last minute pivot, barely missing being in Tops myself. Watching Twitter and the people I love report what was happening gave me an unspeakably deep grief, almost paralyzing. 

From that day, I’ve been on a journey towards healing. A few failed attempts at therapy, I tried some self help books, self care strategies, attempting to turn all my cares over to God. If I’m being honest, nothing really seemed to help. I still cry, I’m still angry, just as frustrated with myself, feeling like I’m not doing enough. Four years ago, I thought healing was returning to the person that I was on May 13th. Today, I know that is not possible. I will never be the same person, but I do know that healing means I have enough courage to continue showing up and doing the work.

I want to encourage anyone who may be feeling similar things that micro battles will win the war. 

We are in a battle in this nation for the future we believe is true, righteous, loving, and just. A future where Black people can shop for groceries, worship, learn, vote, live, and simply exist without being hunted by hate. A future where our communities are not abandoned, disinvested in, or left to carry the weight of racism alone. 

This war will not be won in one election, one rally, one program, one policy, or one lifetime. But I take hope in knowing that every small, intentional act matters.

I take hope that the folks Open Buffalo trains in Emerging Leaders and Youth Action programs will continue the work of fighting against racism when I am gone. Just as I continue the fight on the behalf of those we lost of May 14. I will continue to fight the systems of racism, poverty, disinvestment, and violence until the day I die. And I stand steadfast in the belief that when we each make small, intentional choices every day, we are helping create a better world.

Three actions you can take today:

• Send a kind/encouraging text to at least five people you love.
• Write a note of gratitude thanking yourself for all the ways you have shown up in this community.
• Plan to join us Saturday, May 16th at noon. We will be meeting at the OB headquarters as we discuss the fight protect voting rights (and bring someone with you!).

I love y’all. 

And I still believe we will win.

One micro battle at a time.