Racial Equity Requires Rest

Recently, I received a newsletter from a Black-woman centered civic engagement organization with the subject line "No Time for Rest." As I eagerly opened it, anticipating insights on advancing justice, I found myself puzzled by its message. While the newsletter passionately advocated for action and resilience in the face of systemic oppression, it failed to articulate the importance of rest.

In our fast-paced world, particularly within the realm of activism, racial equity and social justice work, rest often takes a backseat and seen as a privileged luxury. We're taught to believe that every moment must be dedicated to fighting, to advocating, to pushing forward relentlessly. But what if I told you that this constant exhaling leaves no room for healing, for clarity, for strategizing and organizing effectively?

Rest is not merely a luxury; it's a necessity for sustaining ourselves in the long haul of dismantling oppressive systems. It's about taking the time to dwell and slacken one’s pace or even ceasing activities for a while; renewing one’s energy and strength when tired. It also means temporarily detaching from pressure and demands to relax and recover.

The urgency of rest in the pursuit of racial equity and justice cannot be overstated. Without it, we risk burning out, losing sight of our goals, and perpetuating the very cycles of oppression we seek to dismantle. Rest is not synonymous with complacency; rather, it's a crucial component of self-care and resilience.

In a society built on white supremacy, the very act of rest for my people is radical. It's a declaration that our well-being matters, that our humanity is not defined by productivity alone. As the article "Six Freedoms Black People Do Not Have Under a White Supremacy'' highlights, the freedom to rest without guilt or fear of repercussions is a fundamental right denied to Black people.

To envision a future rooted in racial equity and justice, we must prioritize the right to rest. It's about creating a liberatory paradigm in which there is spaciousness to be fully human and authentic. It's about acknowledging that our worth is not contingent upon our ability to constantly produce or perform.

Morning and evening rituals can serve as powerful tools for integrating rest into our daily lives. My own morning ritual consists of a carefully curated routine designed to nourish my mind, body, and spirit. It begins with a wake-up playlist featuring praise and worship songs, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. I then spend time reading from a spiritually nourishing book, engaging in reflective meditation, and stretching to invigorate my body. Setting intentions for the day, making my bed, and incorporating exercise further ground me in a sense of purpose and presence.

In the words of Audre Lorde, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." By prioritizing rest, we honor our ancestors, nourish our spirits, and sustain ourselves for the long journey ahead. Together, let us create a world where rest is not a luxury but a birthright—a sacred space for healing, transformation, and liberation.