A Plea for Kindness: From a Witness of Beauty and Joy

 

A Plea for Kindness: From a Witness of Beauty and Joy

There is too much hate in our world right now. It’s everywhere—on television, in politics, and spilling across our social media feeds. I see it creeping into our conversations, poisoning our communities. I see people—Black, white, Hispanic—being pulled into a culture of cruelty and suspicion, fueled by misinformation and amplified by influencers who thrive on division.

But what broke my heart recently was seeing my own people—people I love and care about—turn their anger toward something that was created to uplift us: the Essence Cultural Festival in New Orleans.

I was there. I experienced it. I felt the power and beauty of it firsthand. It wasn’t just an event—it was a gift. I left feeling inspired, energized, and reminded of the strength and brilliance of our people. I saw families, artists, business owners, and young visionaries coming together in joy. It was a safe space of celebration and connection.

And yet, I saw hateful comments online from those who never even attended. They tore down the CEO of Essence, Richelieu Dennis—a man whose parents came from Liberia, who grew up in New York and built a business grounded in healing and community health. Sundial was not just a brand; it was a message: that we deserve to be well. That our wellness is worth investing in. That we can create for ourselves.

Why is that so hard to celebrate?

To those who call yourselves leaders, influencers, community voices: we need your care, not your contempt. We need your courage to build, not your bitterness to destroy. Misinformation isn’t harmless when it erodes trust. Hate isn’t harmless when it discourages people from gathering in joy. There is no badge of honor in tearing down what others have poured love into.

I am making a plea—not just as someone who attended the festival, but as someone who believes in the spirit of kindness: Let us not become a people who eat our own.

Let us not forget how hard it is to build something meaningful, something rooted in love and culture and hope. Let us not discourage those who are trying to do better, who are striving to lift us up, even when they don’t get everything perfect. We can call for growth without becoming cruel.

This is a call to choose kindness.

To pause before posting. To question what’s being said and why. To reflect before judging. To uplift when something good is happening in our community.

Because if we don’t protect our joy from hate, who will?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

African Innovation-driven economies

Several African countries are making strides in building innovation-driven economies, leveraging technology, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. These nations are recognized for their growing ecosystems of innovation hubs, government initiatives, and private sector involvement: 1. Kenya Nicknamed: "Silicon Savannah." Key Areas: Fintech, mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa), agritech, and renewable energy. Highlights: Nairobi has a thriving tech ecosystem with hubs like iHub and the Konza Technopolis project. Strengths: Strong government support for innovation and a vibrant startup culture. 2. Nigeria Key Areas: Fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. Highlights: Lagos is a major tech hub with unicorns like Flutterwave and Andela. Strengths: Largest economy in Africa and a young, tech-savvy population. 3. South Africa Key Areas: Fintech, renewable energy, and health tech. Highlights: Cape Town and Johannesburg are innovation hotspots, with well-established research institu...
Read more

The WikiExplorers and the Shell Island of Joal-Fadiouth

Image
  The WikiExplorers and the Shell Island of Joal-Fadiouth #AlkebulanWikiEdit For children ages 8–11 Characters: Jada, age 10, a curious photographer Malik, age 11, loves history and nature Grandma Zora, a retired teacher and Wikipedia contributor Mr. Diop, their guide in Senegal Chapter 1 – Across the Ocean The airplane rumbled through the sky, carrying Jada and Malik farther from Brooklyn than they had ever been. Grandma Zora smiled as she looked at their eager faces. “This trip is more than a vacation,” she said. “It’s a WikiExplore mission. You’re not just visitors—you’re WikiExplorers now.” “What’s a WikiExplorer again?” Malik asked, adjusting his glasses. “You explore, take photos, learn deeply, and share what you learn with the world through Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons,” Grandma Zora explained. “You help knowledge grow.” Jada nodded. “I’ve got my camera ready!” Chapter 2 – The Bridge of Shells When they reached Joal-Fadiouth, the sun was soft in the sky, and the air smell...
Read more

The Influence of Corporately Owned Celebrities on Political Elections

The Influence of Corporately Owned Celebrities on Political Elections In recent years, there has been growing concern about the power and influence of corporately owned celebrities in political elections. With vast followings and platforms that reach millions, celebrities backed by major corporations have the ability to shape public opinion and steer conversations in ways that can impact voting behavior and election outcomes. However, this influence often raises questions about representation, authenticity, and the potential dangers of allowing corporate-backed figures to dominate the political landscape. The Rise of Celebrity Influence in Politics The influence of celebrities on politics is nothing new, but in today’s hyper-connected world, the scale and immediacy of their impact are unprecedented. Social media allows celebrities to share their views directly with millions of followers, bypassing traditional media and becoming primary sources of news and opinion for many people. When ...
Read more