#OnHoldAtHome with Rafiya
“Anything positive? Yes. An awakening. Then, some equity. Then, equality.”
What are your fears and/or concerns right now?
Race war. Unemployment. Fascism. Being woefully unprepared for the zombie apocalypse resulting from COVID-19 long-term effects. I’m also worried that workers won’t take the incredible leverage they have right now and strike. Even though a workforce on strike is a terrible inconvenience to me, I recognize it as a necessary step to reclaiming worker’s rights. Much like the spread of ‘Rona is a necessary risk for BLM protesters. Gotta start sometime, and the wait for a more convenient point could be a long one.
What have you learned from living this new normal?
I’ve learned that I had been putting aside my own needs and desires. I had traded passion for stability, and was risking my sanity to have my bills paid. It’s not the life I wanted, and not one that anyone should be forced to live. I think that many people are learning this, and the rich and their piggies are getting scared.
How has the pandemic raised awareness of racial and social inequality?
I think we need to burn it all down. Whether it’s white-owned, black-owned… whatever. If it operates in a system of capitalism and oppression, it can’t serve us moving forward. If we have to sacrifice a false sense of peace in order to attain equity and harmony, then burn it all. There can be no peace where entire groups of people are degraded and abused. When folks are poor, sick, and being told that no relief will come, and they are being murdered by the cops, or greedy employers who will risk their lives for corporate gains… yeah. You’re gonna see some push back.
Do you think anything positive will come from all of this?
Probably. But I don’t think it’ll happen in my lifetime. The older folks need to let the young ones know that this fight may last a generation and they may need to give up their comforts. We speak from privilege when we say protests should be peaceful. Other people in other places are oppressed to the point where a peaceful option doesn’t even exist for them. So, anything positive? Yes. An awakening. Then, some equity. Then, equality.
READ THE STORIES
Click on any of the images below to learn more about what's on the minds of fellow Richmonders. From the pandemic to protests, our community has traveled through months of uncertainty, introspection and reflection. Sharing stories gives us an opportunity to learn, connect and grow with one another in the hopes of cultivating a more compassionate, open-minded and empathetic city to live in.
“A bright future is possible, but only if we get to work building it.”
“There has to be a good reason for all this chaos.”
“When life gets back to normal, I hope that there will be echoes of grace in the memory of hardship.”
“These are challenging times for everyone, and it’s important we shed light on the positives.”
“I think we can truly grow as a society from this experience.”
“I do not think we will ever return to normal, but we are trying to live each day guided by hope and gratefulness.”
“Black lives have mattered for centuries, and will continue to matter in the future.”
“It turns out that community, human connection, companionship… that is what keeps me sane.”
“When times are tough, it’s important to help and be open minded to those around you.”
“This is an opportunity for us to search within ourselves and check for our own privileges.”
“The world has been at a standstill, with clear minds and hearts – the truth rises.”
“I want to be able to say that I impacted at least one person’s life before I leave this earth.”
“I love my job and helping people. I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be right now.”
“I hope we learn to live with less. Be kinder with ourselves and others.”
“The pandemic has given us a certain amount of appreciation for routine and our home.”
“I hope people will have a new appreciation for their freedoms and cherish them.”
“Sometimes we need to experience darkness to appreciate the light.”
“Some will find greater faith and put their lives in clearer perspective.”
‘This time together is definitely bringing us closer together as a family.”
“People are so resilient. I guess I always knew that, but this is proving it every day.”
“We’re finding solace in places and things we had not realized we were missing.”
“I’ve learned that I am much more an optimist than a pessimist.”
“We need each other to bring joy and meaning to our lives.”
“We’re all having to dig deep and get through this as a whole.”
“It’s difficult to imagine what the next year or so of my life might look like.”
“Having had COVID-19, I’m living proof that the virus is brutal and can harm very healthy people.”
“We are afraid to acknowledge our trauma and deal with it.”
“Yes, we argue, but we also laugh more now.”
“In many ways, COVID-19 is clearly exposing long-standing issues in our community.”
“Communities are coming together. Relationships are more meaningful.”