Now Is The Time

BY CHERIE BUCKNER-WEBB

It is my sincere hope that you, as have I, taken the opportunity to engage in serious conversations that are sorely needed in our community

and across the country. Conversations that are purposefully focused on engaging deeply: expressing concerns, gaining understanding, finding solutions, and creating a firm foundation for more in-depth, authentic dialogue in the future. And, perhaps, walking away with a commitment to risk for the purpose of building stronger communities who embrace the fullness of those with whom they work, live, and play.

We have been presented the opportunity and the stimulus to do some self-reflection and some powerful truth telling because it is necessary and well passed the time that we dump the excuses. It is time to dump the isms and deal with each other appropriately, as equals. The collision of Covid 19, and its attendant isolation, separation, loneliness, fear, isolation, restrictions, innumerable losses (of loved ones, security, safety, health, food, shelter, and more), Easter, Ramadan, Juneteenth, Pride Month, racial disparities and just plain living has rendered many hopeless and in the depths of despair. These times demand that we not only interrupt centuries of intentional, systemic, degradation but that we construct and new normal. I’m talking about a revolution on a grand seismic level. We are capable and equipped to make the earth move.

Note just two (of many) areas of the racial disparities that exist in the U.S. for my community, African Americans. Since the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns across the U.S., employment – population for all racial groups has fallen dramatically. Fewer than half of all Black Americans had a job in April & May. Unemployment spikes are especially high for Blacks Black American are severely underrepresented at the top of corporate hierarchy and highest echelons of government Overall income for Black Americans was 42% lower than for White Americans

Poverty rate for Black families is over twice that of White families

The wage gap between races also interacts with gender wage gap between men and women

Black prisoners are overrepresented in the US prison population compared to total US population Black men are five times more likely to be imprisoned than their white counterparts – 13 times as likely in the 18-19 age group

Roughly half of those fatally shot by police are white, but

Black Americans are fatally sh0t at a disproportionate rate compared to their representation in the US. • Fatal shootings by race, deaths per million: 30m Black, 22m Hispanic, 12m white, 4m other

We must unite, coalesce, partner, engage with others to make a change in these and many more disparities, for a multitude of communities. The benefits will accrue to minority AND majority communities.

We have the power to change the world, to ensure that the “new normal” is the intention of our design. One where difference is respected and where inclusion is valued, one where possibilities are nurtured to fruition. We are in this life together. I invite you to purposefully develop, acknowledge, and leverage

the formidable talents you possess. We are all compelled to move forward toward the opportunities and challenges of the future. We must build upon the strength, wisdom, wit, and genius that is uniquely ours. We must be about courageously and compassionately connecting with one another. Now is the time to lift up, not tear down. Now is the time to work together toward the empowerment and safety of all. We are responsible for one another. We are accountable to one another.

We are called to alleviate the ever increasing fear of Covid19, treat those afflicted, and mitigate the growing atmosphere of inflamed hate, separation and division in our communities, states and our country. We called upon to investigate and address the root of escalating violence and the manifestation of intimidation. We are charged to come together to consider the sources of domestic terrorism, hate speak and the resulting tragedies. We must be intentional because the “stuff out there” will surely show up on our door steps if we are not vigilant. Yes, we have monumental work to do. This is a painful time in the life of America and much of the world. We must not turn away, we must face this insidious plague that is before us. We must intentionally turn toward each other to interrupt domination, extraction and violence.

Get ready! I say. Arm us. Let us arm ourselves with compassion.

It is time that we join together to form a mighty militia: • Champions of Compassion

Emissaries for Equity

Ambassadors of Humanity

Zealots for Liberty

Warriors for Justice

Proud to be a force that is:

Undergirded by: • An understanding of our interconnectedness

An inheritance of the demonstrated courageous actions of the legions who came before – those who fought valiantly

A calling to serve Supported by: • Committed men and women from across difference

A host of individuals with powerful histories of striving to ensure that each and every human being is treated with dignity and respect Faith

Empowered by: • A vision for the future – not only for the next generation, not just for my children and your children, but rather for many generations to come.

Truly, what we do today sets the foundation for years to come.

Let us arm ourselves with compassion.

BOISE’S EAST RIDGE

2420 E WARM SPRINGS AVENUE | BOISE, IDAHO 83712

5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 6129 SQ FT | 60 Acres $7,750,000

Nothing quite compares to this oasis of comfort lodged at the edge of adventure on Boise’s East Ridge. Perched above Idaho’s high-desert, urban capital, this secluded retreat will protect, inspire, enlighten & fulfill. Boise’s central core is just moments away from this exquisite sanctuary of stone, wood, air, & water. Nature built the base, ingenuity added the comforts, & you can add the life while soaking up this magnificent home’s energy. 60-acre private preserve surrounds this unique visionary retreat.