These past weeks have left me without emotions and words to sort out how and what to feel. As these tragic events transpire, I realize that I have no ability to imagine being a Brown, Black or Indigenous person. The first person to hire me in Omaha, Nancy Williams, wrote this message below that shared a perspective that allowed me to begin to see deeper.

===================================

James Scurlock was killed. Tony McDade was killed. George Floyd was killed. Breonna Taylor was killed. Gut wrenching and painful killings of Black people. Each one is no longer able to hug the people they loved most in the world because of racism and racist actions. No More Empty Pots denounces all forms of oppression. The terror and injustices inflicted on Black, Brown and Indigenous bodies has to end. We, as members of this community and of humanity, must stand and act together to ensure that words lead to action and that action leads to systemic change.

As a Black woman and a Black mother, I am tired. Tired of fearing for the harm against my daughters and sons. Tired of fighting against everyday aggression. Tired of choking back tears when I feel like I cannot hold it all anymore. We can no longer carry the burdens of racism. What we need is justice. What we want is justice. What we deserve is justice. With justice, God willing, each of us may have the opportunity to live to our fullest potential, fulfill our highest purpose and just be. The kind of being that you bear witness to when you see zinnias with long strong stems and vibrant layered petals because they have abundant sunlight, hydrated roots and rich supportive soil. Zinnias getting the opportunity to be zinnias.

It will be nearly impossible for Omaha and this country to truly advance without acknowledging that racist policies are perpetuated and racist actions are common and flagrant.

In Omaha and across the country lies an incredible opportunity. The inequities in the systems have been laid bare on multiple levels.

We have history. We have data. No need for another study or assessment. Courage and action. That’s where we are. Take action to catalyze transformative change. Be unequivocally just in every domain – economics, education, policies, healthcare, private companies, nonprofits, public corporations, churches, sports teams, families, you name it – every domain.

I believe that we are here to live this human experience full of gratitude, grace, and joy. And we are grateful for each one of you who wholeheartedly embraces and lives this truth, honoring the humanity in each of us and making it possible for others to do the same.

No More Empty Pots stands in the gap to serve and is committed to the actions required for justice. One action is the work we do every day with many of you to undo unjust, inequitable, racist systems that perpetuate food insecurity. Justice for Black people is a pathway to justice for everyone.

Nancy Williams

President/CEO

402.320.5349

I think of the opening lyrics from the song, “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton.

There are moments that the words don't reach
There is suffering too terrible to name
You hold your child as tight as you can
And push away the unimaginable
The moments when you're in so deep
It feels easier to just swim down