Va-Va Byers

It’s hard to believe that the first month of 2023 has transpired and we are already well into February but here we are. Well, you know, if it’s February, it must be Black History Month. That’s cool for most people but for us, in February, we are unapologetically EXTRA Blackitty Black because we celebrate and honor our Blackness all year. The 2023 Black History theme is Black Resistance. That is needed in Miami and throughout Florida, because the level of disrespect and anti-Blackness is unreal. No one is going to save us but us. So let's STAY WOKE!

We find ourselves dealing with the trauma of the lynching of Tyre Nichols by five black cops in Memphis; continuing anti-Blackness culture wars from Republican leaders in Tallahassee; the takeover of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Board by Miami commissioners; the politicization of the Miami-Dade County School Board and disrespect of Black, seasoned board members (No, two Black Teachers of the Year won’t compensate for that. We celebrate them, though.); the reneging of funds promised to the Circle of Brotherhood and public grilling by Miami commissioners; and a symbolic attempt at we don’t know what by Miami Police with a Black History Month themed police cruiser. We still haven’t forgotten about the execution-style shooting of Antwon Cooper by a Miami cop during a routine traffic stop in Liberty City in March 2022. So, miss us with that, please.

Please get out and vote in the City of Miami District 2 race on February 27. Confirm your voting status now.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou