"87 Days...And That's O.K" - Dom Hustle
It has been 12 full weeks since I’ve recorded and uploaded the last episode of ‘The Hustle Responsibly’ podcast. That is 87 days exactly from the day my last pod was uploaded, to the day I began crafting this blog post. 87 days. A lot can happen in that time; That is an understatement to say the least because lets face it; this is 2020 and it has now been over 130 days with no arrests or charges to the cops that murdered Breonna Taylor.. The year that closely resembles a scene right out of Inception, if there was a record for consecutive ‘this shit can’t be real’ headlines and events, 2020 is the gold standard.
Around that time, early May, we were about 3 weeks into a nationwide issued ‘Stay at Home’ order and I was selfishly excited at the unplanned break in action. By day I work in education policy and reform, and in that world It’s the time of year where summer break anxiety is pulsating, and spring break can’t come fast enough. What I thought would be an unplanned few week retreat to fix my creative itch, turned into an physical, emotional, and spiritual weight that left me no other option than to put Hustle Responsibly on an indefinite pause.
The world’s events, specifically the storm of emotions triggered by the public deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor’s absence of justice, among other things. In the blink of an eye the phrase BLACK LIVES MATTER has become the topic of conversation around the world, in a surreal way, it became real that America was facing two pandemics head on with subpar leadership pulling at the world’s emotional ties. I’m sure there has been moments in the past where you have to explicitly pick your side; U.S Civil War, World Wars, Vietnam maybe; this time is bringing out some ugly traits in some of us.
It may take a little longer to listen. It may take a little longer for understanding. It may take a little bit longer for healing; but the process must and will continue. As I draft this, in my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin we have the longest active peaceful protest / demonstration in the country at 52 days strong of peaceful disruption. Respects and blessings to those organizers, volunteers, participants, allies, and co-conspirators that make that possible. I’ve been honored to have been a part of the efforts to this point. I’ve found a new love for biking and found myself at the front steps of black biking culture. My friends and I have started a book club that has refined my creative goals and rejuvenated my social energy in a way I couldn’t imagine. I partnered with 2 local non-profit organizations and a few black organizers to raise a few bucks (literally a few) to continue their pro-Black, pro-Equity work in the city. Also was a way for me to give away some Hustle Responsibly merch in the process.
I say all that to say yes there has been a small hiatus. But that does not mean stagnation. Hustle Responsibly is a lifestyle brand that is honest and true. Self-Care is the best care.
Hustle Responsibly