LA Fires. Lost Homes. Losing Memories. Pause.
I'm postponing the release of my conversation with Josh Rivers to Monday, January 13, as I process how the LA fires have affected my community.
Happy New Year…?
Yes, Happy New Year.
I’m claiming it. I’m here, and I’m thankful. I was set to release my conversation with Josh Rivers, the host of ‘Busy Being Black’ tomorrow.
It’s all ready to go, in fact. But I need to take a beat. I’m tired. Exhausted. And sad.
I woke up to a beautiful orange sky - lit by fires decimating the LA Metro area.
I spent most of the day in a daze as I reacted and responded to the day. I took my son to school, dropped my daughter off, saw the plumes of smoke snaking toward her school, and decided to take her home.
I drove slowly on Pico Boulevard as I felt the ground shake underneath us because of the winds to safety.
I settled the kid in and tried to keep things calm. Then, I checked in with friends who had to evacuate. I managed the dread every time a text message came through, with note after note saying, ‘I’m fine; the house has gone.’
I never forgot that I was - and still am one of the lucky ones. My home, photos, and mementos are still physically intact.
Today, all the schools are off, but I’m getting ‘pandemic vibes’ all over again: LA is a little quieter, and so are the people - who are also on edge.
Communities have been razed to the ground, and families who lived in homes passed down from their parents and grandparents will have to find a way to find shelter - and rebuild their broken spirits.
Ya know - I don’t think I’ve got anything else to say.
But I’m grateful. I’m one of the lucky ones.
I’ll see you on Monday, with a new conversation.
Stay safe.