Never in my life did I think I’d see a time when I had fewer rights and opportunities than my family had when they arrived to this country. I’ve been meditating on this a lot—if you have the ability to leave it’s time to make a plan to do so. Black people deserve so much more than this dysfunctional abusive nation. Our ancestors sacrificed so much so we wouldn’t have to rinse and repeat the same cycles of hatred and discrimination. They wanted better not just for themselves but for their children and grandchildren and in 2026 we’re nearly at the starting line, again. The lie of American exceptionalism has warn itself out. Nowhere is perfect; but my God, there are many places that are better. That allow Black folks to BE, to EXIST. My heart is beyond heavy today. I feel tormented and hollow.