What does it mean to organize?

Each year that I organize and work towards good in the greater world, I realize some new things and some old. The old information is that individuals who are truly inspirational organizers are simply about the work being done and the purpose being met. They gather people around them who are also about the work and the same purpose being met because they know that everyone is important and that every job no matter how small should be recognized and appreciated.  True organizers also trust everyone who works with them without the need to micro manage or to question their purpose or plan. They also do not seek the limelight or to be noticed because at their core the work and purpose is what drives them.The new things that I learn each year are not so positive. These not so nice lessons are usually:

• Everyone does not truly care about the purpose
• Some mistake activism for organizing
• Gaining momentum is always a game of chess and not checkers
• Being an organizer is more than throwing ideas and suggestions into the ether

I am writing this in the late hours because once again it has come to my attention after a very successful week of inspiration centered on Black Lives and Black Students and Solutions for Black Families and Communities, that there is always a person or a group of people who will try and destroy that light. And I am here to say No to all of that, and miss me with your questions and conjecture. I work and live and breathe beyond the hashtag. Each day that I breathe, I move closer to doing what needs to be done and never opting for what is simply convenient. 

I have been organizing for Black Lives since I was in high school. I remember going toe to toe with the establishment who constantly told me that I was not important or of value. And you know what, they soon learned a valuable lesson. I can gather a small army and fight the good fight where we are all victors at the end. And you will NEVER not SEE me. 

That same energy to organize and bring the dark to the light followed me to college and into my adult life. I have always known that my voice and my energy had the power to move mountains and to make a way out of no way. But, I believe that because I have never sought out the limelight that often my purpose and work is doubted. Or even worse, the greater work from the other organizers that gather around me and give me strength is questioned and doubted. Today is the day that I am telling you, No More. 

I stand on the strength of Assata, the voice of Nina, the work ethic of Ella, the perseverance of Rosa, the truth of Fannie and the radical energy of James. These folks were often silenced and questioned and cornered. And yet, their work and purpose continued and benefit EVERYONE. Including those who questioned the loudest. If you don't believe that I am the baddest blackest and most prolific organizer in this life and the next, you better ask somebody. Even better, look at the breath of the work, who supports the work, and why you should simply look on and simply say THANK YOU. Instead of trying to shower darkness on my joy.