As the year comes to an end, I’m reflecting on the waves of love, grief, and trauma we’ve experienced the last few years, especially during the pandemic. If you’re reading this, take a deep breath with me. Exhale. When you’re ready, let yourself feel, process, and release all the emotions you’ve been holding in your body. Your sadness, loneliness, and anger are extremely valid. I see and hear you. Be gentle with yourself.
During difficult moments in my life, I’ve found peace and comfort in the words of BIPOC feminists like bell hooks and Gloria Anzaldúa. In a world that constantly dehumanizes BIPOC and Queer communities, I love deeply without any regrets because they have taught me that love manifests new sacred worlds.
“Love is profoundly political. Our deepest revolution will come when we understand this truth. Only love can give us the strength to go forward in the midst of heartbreak and misery.” - hooks
“We must be motivated by love in order to undertake change–love of self, love of people, love of life. Loving gives us the energy and compassion to act in the face of hardship; loving gives us the motivation to dream the life and work we want.” Anzaldúa
Over a decade ago, I dreamt about the Community-Driven Archives (CDA) Initiative. I’ve used my love, heartache, and vision to develop resources that empower local communities as they dismantle power structures that lead to erasure and injustice in Arizona. In academia and the archival profession, we’re told there is no room for us, our emotions, or healing work. Yet, I wake up every morning with a profound love in my heart for you and our communities. I make a spiritual promise to build bridges and activate healing circles that center the knowledge and resistance of BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.
As we enter 2022, let’s continue to remember that decolonizing archives is an act of deep transformative love, courage, and reflection. Love encourages us to remember the past and see the future. Love encourages us to dream about our freedom and sacred journey back home to ourselves as we heal from the colonization of our minds, spirits, and bodies.