We’ve Been Here Before

The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in racist violence creates a state of compounded trauma for Black Americans. Recent police killings of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Tony McDade, alongside the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, illustrate a persistent, systemic brutality that transcends temporary trends. This environment of "maddening" pressure forces individuals to manage grief and fear while navigating digital spaces that are often as triggering as the physical world. While the victims are frequently memorialized through the lens of their deaths, their lives were defined by personal ambitions and community roles—as EMTs, aspiring electricians, athletes, and peacemakers. Navigating this hopelessness requires a commitment to radical community support, prioritizing mental health by disconnecting from the constant news cycle, and contributing to mutual aid organizations like the Minnesota Freedom Fund and North Star Health Collective to support those demanding justice on the ground.