Your White Wellness Check...

....Could End My Black Life.

Baby listen, I’m not here to call anyone in. That’s not my intention. Instead I’m here to raise awareness and keep folks safe from harm.

In my last post I shared that one of my fears is that I’ll die at home and it would take a while for anyone to find me. This is what happens in a society where folks lack community.

My fear isn’t that I’ll die alone, it’s that my animals will starve.

But lemme stay focused.

A handful of kind folks reached out to extend a “you’re not alone” lifeline.

We made clear agreements that If I ever disappeared for x amount of time, then they would do what they had to do.

And then someone mentioned a wellness check.

Let’s pull over here.

Wellness checks are really fucking bad for Black people. To be clear, when I say “bad” what I actually mean is deadly.

While I absolutely understand the genuine desire to help, this ain’t it.

A wellness check is often for YOUR peace of mind - not OUR safety.

I’m purposely talking to white people because I don’t know of any melanated folks who would call the cops in this instance. I’m sure they exist, but they for damn sure aren’t a part of my abolitionist community.

Remember Donovan Lewis?

Don’t stress, I know it’s hard to keep track…

Donovan Lewis was a Black man in Columbus, OH who was killed by the police while he was IN HIS BED.

He lived 10 minutes away from me.

These are the people that you will be sending to my home.

Please don’t do this to me.

Well damn, what should we do then?

I GOT YOU.

“Don’t Call the Police” is a list of resources (by city) to help you get support without involving the cops.

If there’s a person you’re concerned about, communicate clearly beforehand to talk about a future plan of action.

Please take a beat to think about the traumatic impact your well intentioned actions may have.

As for me, I’m counting the days until I can move to Mexico where I won’t live in fear of the people who are supposed to protect me.

Dealing with the daily stress of this type of bullshit is why my Black ass is worn out.

I need to rest
I am exhausted
It’s time for me to heal

When it comes to the police, understand that white folks live in a different reality. Please don’t allow your care to get me killed.