Culture News

Three Days of Justice According to Donavan Lyons

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
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Day 1

I start a new workout on my Apple watch. As the display reads Ready, 3,2,1… I begin my run. This February morning, my thoughts bring me pain and joy. In pain, I ponder how every February holds so much weight on my heart. I’m reminded of the many sacrifices my ancestors have endured over the years for my civil rights. I run for justice for my ancestors this morning in a neighborhood filled with people who do and don’t look like me. I run for equity.

 

I start my second mile as my heart palpitates and thoughts deepen. I am thankful for my history. I am overjoyed by how we have space to celebrate our culture. My mind reflects to when I ran track as a kid, when the world was mine. I was the fastest runner in the world and the world could do no harm. When I ran, I would imagine myself as my idols—Olympic runners like Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis. I’d imagine the work it took to get where they were and how I could one day be a successful track star. Carl Lewis said, “It’s all about the journey, not the outcome.” Like Carl and Mike, I found myself striving step by step, working to get to my next milestone; working to enjoy the process of success, status, and becoming a star. It seemed no one could harm them and they were living their dream, racing against the world. It was great to envision myself also as a positive Black male role model representing their communities.

 

As a kid, I competed in track and won. I had my own medals, and imagined they were as heavy as the Olympic gold. Heavy like the journey it took to get to where they were. I hoped I would have my own Olympic golds. I raced through life’s journeys, through the peaks and valleys. Standing on my ancestors’ shoulders, I am rewarded for life’s progress. My watch buzzes, reminding me of my progress in miles and the work that remains. I tap done on my watch and my journey continues.

 

Image: Chicago Sky by Donavan Lyons

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Day 2

Today was another rough day of COVID-19. We wake up in the Lyons household after a horrible call yesterday and another devastating call as we lost another family member. Our hearts crushed and eyes full of tears, we lean on what we know: our faith. In 1789, Congress passed the First Amendment: Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition. Our faith keeps us strong. In this time of grievance, we continue to lean on each other; we know we can’t lean only on our understanding.

 

The church has always been a stronghold for the community—a place of healing, education, and peace over the years. With eyes and hearts heavy, our family leans in like flower petals barely holding on, trying not to be blown away with the horrid winds of tragedy. We keep holding hope for a new day. A better day. Maybe Day 3.

 

Image: Reunited with an Anointing by Donavan Lyons

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Day 3

Our hairstyle says a lot about who we are, our character, and our expressions. It helps maintain our culture. It makes a person feel confident, professional, and a force when their hair looks and acts right. It helps us get that job, do great on a presentation, or just smile at ourselves in the mirror. This self-care is now more important than ever with current news and events. As part of self-care, I make sure to take care of myself mentally and physically during this quarantine.

 

Living in a COVID-19 world, the importance of self-care has become evident not only to myself but to my family. COVID-19 has changed our lives. My family and I socially distance. This epidemic has caused us to change our mindset on how we socialize with others, including barbers and beauticians. I have yet to attend the barbershop in almost a year. Prior to COVID-19 I would go every two or three weeks to maintain my hair.

 

The quarantine period has forced me to learn many new skills that I would not have acquired, including cutting my own hair. Through YouTube videos and practice, I have managed to learn how to cut my hair well. I typically keep my hair short thanks to my dad. The short hair and clean lines remind me of his honorable military service. I remember as a kid, my dad and I going to get our hair cut at the barbershop. We would bond and have great father-son conversations. As I got older, I drove myself to the same barbershop. It was a nice time for the two of us. Just us.

 

Justice finds a way to bring people together. In a search for justice, equity, and education, our world will be a better place for all.

 

Image: Black Mirror by Donavan Lyons