Issue 5: Editor's Note

Alexis Shoats

image of envelopes

Cherries, mangoes, asparagus, and scallions are all in season as we also enter a new season. Halfway through the year and a few weeks shy of summer, we’re all ushering in a new season. As every summer, many of us have vacation plans, weddings to attend, and new hobbies we want to try. All the summer feels. However, I'm reminded of the song Wary by Solange at such a time like this. She sings, “Be wary of the ways of the world. I’m wary of the ways of the world.” So am I. She then goes on to sing, “But you know that a king is only a man.” Any false idols, political leaders, or extremist religious leaders are only human. I don’t have to tell you that we are living in a pertinent time that requires more of us to give more than we may be used to. Even those of us who are minorities and have continuously lived in times such as these. I understand that many of us have been fighting for a while to keep fascism, extremism, and xenophobia from taking over. So many of us feel betrayed and frustrated to the point of turning our backs and focusing solely on ourselves. However, that isn’t how this world works. We do not have the convenience of turning inward at this time. It does us no service to turn a blind eye and step out of the fight. We will continue to suffer, and minorities and the disabled community will suffer the most.

So while I understand the frustration, and trust me, I also had to go through a period of mourning and grieving over the past 6 months, but I'm not mourning anymore. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines while Robert Kennedy attacks autistic children and adults, and as ICE continues to terrorize immigrants, Trump and far-right politicians cut Medicaid, Reproductive Rights, and Public Education. I truly believe that we all have a role to play, and I encourage you to figure out yours. Whatever feels good and gets you back into the fight, I encourage you to follow that feeling. We can’t guarantee that all of our freedoms will be here tomorrow if we don’t fight for them.

So yes, enjoy your summer, keep those plans, and find the joy, but be wary and attentive. Be wary of the way we are headed, and know that we still can make an impact to stop or change some of these atrocities. So in this new season, I hope you will celebrate Pride Month and advocate on behalf of those in the community. I hope you will celebrate Juneteenth, and as allies, that you will see that as a day to understand Black history and dedicate the day to advocating on the community's behalf. That on your vacation, you shop locally and support small businesses. If you are hosting, you venture out and shop with Estelle Wine Glasses, and on your healthy living journey, you try out the good gut drink brand El Calle Tepache. 

Happy first month of summer.

Alexis Shoats, Editor-In-Chief