Grief and Gratitude Can Coexist

Hey honeys and hustlers,

You can visit grief but do not stay. Your return to joy, as an artist, is needed. If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably not in the mood to discuss the election results, and I’m right there with you. Throughout history, some of the most profound, enduring, and influential works of art have been created in response to heartbreak, depression, oppression, and societal upheaval. Artists have been at the forefront of resistance movements to offer hope, inspiration, and a voice to the voiceless. This time is no different, as much as it might seem like it.

As I try to ground myself in reality, but not lose hope for the future, I am reminding myself of these important truths:

• Art has the power to initiate conversations about difficult topics.

• Art can create safe spaces for communities to come together, share experiences, and discuss ways to move forward.

• Art can be a beacon of hope. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the possibility of a better future, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

• Several iconic albums have been created in response to societal issues that many of us still listen to today, like:

  • Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On" (1971): A response to the Vietnam War, civil rights issues, and environmental injustice

  • Pink Floyd - "The Wall" (1979): An exploration of isolation, depression, and societal pressures

  • Kendrick Lamar - "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015): A powerful commentary on race, identity, and systemic oppression in America

• Even in the darkest times, the human spirit has the capacity to create beauty, meaning, and change.

This isn’t the answer factory, and there’s no timeline for a grieving process. But I am here to listen, support, and uplift everyone in this community. If you’d like to join me (ahem, and the creator database), here are some ways to get involved:

• Attend local art exhibitions, performances, community events, and readings.

• Share and promote the work of artists from marginalized communities.

• Participate in community art projects.

• Support organizations that fund artists from marginalized communities.

• Never stop creating your own art.

The work isn’t done yet. We’re not done yet. I’m rooting for you. I wish I had more positive things to say right now but I don’t.

Please Hustle Responsibly,

🤙🏾✨

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