I go to bed drained from bad news, led by a man who advertises himself as king. I wake to more of the same.
Like others, I pass certain food counters because of shocking price stickers on items we once automatically purchased. I became ill recently and had to escape the stress from meanness that outweighed others’ goodness. I experienced huge disregard for my nearly 20 years of work — often using my own money and time, never taking vacations because I was the only professional staff member handling almost every role except the few tasks family and friends could manage. I felt ultimately responsible for the organization’s success.
After quitting a good job, I rarely got paid, relying on speaking engagements and book sales. I shared whatever I could to help others. To complete the work with no retirement benefits, vacation time, sick leave and little pay, I raised money from friends at companies that donated to our programs. Family and a few friends helped me accomplish great things nationally.
As an activist honored worldwide for human rights work while pursuing civil rights in my own nation, I find few tangible benefits despite those who claim glory for my sacrifices but did little to help.
Why mention this now? Recently, a young woman in my neighborhood threatened to jump from a building. I felt sad, wondering what made her life seem not worth living. I wanted to help but could only pray for her and people like her.
I know many losing faith and wonder how, with my limited resources, I can help more. I share beans and rice. I know many with the ability to help choose not to. Some even make others’ lives miserable and relish it.
My plea: Look around, find somebody to help — and just do it. Most people appreciate small gestures when they can’t manage alone. They just want to know they’re not abandoned while their current leader does everything possible to make their lives miserable. I watched Trump make hostile remarks about people he fired, delivering a grievance-filled speech while forgiving those who damaged our Capitol.
I saw men laughing at Trump’s talking points while many of us teared up.
He claims his friend “Vladimir,” as he admiringly calls him, wants to end the war while continuing to bomb Ukraine. If they’re such good friends, why won’t he ask him to end the war he started? If we’re such good people, why aren’t we doing all we can to help, not hurt others?
Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society (www.thedickgregorysociety.org).