Happy International Women's Day!

Today, women across the world are once again coming together to resist. "A Day Without A Woman" aims to show the world what it's like when women just stop. When we stop shopping (except at women and minority owned businesses). When we don't come to work (shout out to the several school districts that will be closed today). When we focus on ourselves and the issues that affect us first. There are multiple ways to participate: take off work (for those privileged enough to do so)*, wear red (for everyone--but mostly for those who are unable to take off work), protest, buy female, only watch women-centered movies..etc. etc. Okay, the last one was more for me, but you get my drift.

Just because most of us are choosing to take the day off does not mean we forget about our sisters who can't.

It does not mean that this protest isn't for them.

As a matter of fact, I am protesting for and with them (I feel like I need to stress the fact that there are multiple ways to protest today that don't involve taking the day off). Funny how most of the people I see complaining about today's activities are men. Well respectfully sirs, shut the fuck up. This movement is not about you. Much like how white and other non-Black people have a particular space in Black Lives Matter, and cis and hetero people have a particular space in the fight for equal rights for our LGBTQ loved ones, you have a particular space in this movement. That space is not to dictate. Hell, it's not even to give your opinion. It's those same opinions that brought us here. So again I say, "Kindly, shut the fuck up." This isn't about you. If you want to participate, ask women how you can show your solidarity. If not, keep it moving.

Okay, sorry for the rant. Where was I?

Oh yeah, I am protesting for and with my sisters who cannot take the day off. Black women have been working since we got here (here being the shores of the U.S. of A), and historically have never been given the luxury of taking some time off. To make things personal, my 88-year-old grandmother would still be working if it wasn't for the fact that her knee problems (caused by years of physical labor) require her to remain in bed. My 58-year-old mother worked 2 and sometimes 3 jobs when I was growing up, to ensure that my brother and I had a good childhood and decent education. I myself have been working since I was 15. Sometimes I worked 2 and 3 jobs during college, and I was sleep-deprived during graduate school because I was working and going to school full-time. Even now, in the job that I am privileged to take a day off from, I work when I'm sick...

WE DON'T REST!

Which is why I am. Today, my rest will be radical. I won't spend a dime, but I also won't be in the streets protesting. Another fun historical fact: Black women are always at the forefront of political movements. We get people elected. We make change happen. So forgive me, but I feel like my white sisters can take the lead on this one. Y'all got this.

Instead, I will be at home--all day. Relaxing, reading and working on projects that not only better myself (Due to responsibilities, women, much less Black women, aren't always allowed to pursue our passions), but all women, especially those who look like me. A win for one of us, is a win for all.

I'm channeling a 2011 Rihanna (singer, humanitarian) who challenged a commenter that suggested she should stop purchasing material items for amounts that would save a troubled nation. Much like how Rih's Prada shoes won't save anyone, but the $100,000 she just donated to the Philippines will, my working 7.5 hours won't help anyone but the school.

My day will be in honor of my ancestors who, despite current political opinion, were not immigrants, but slaves whose only options were to work or be killed. I forget which old hymn of the church it is (and there are probably several) that speaks to getting rest when you die--yeah, that was their existence. I'm resting for them. I'm also working on a couple of projects that will hopefully lighten the load for new mothers. I'm reading Angela, Assata, Brit, and Zadie. My day of rest is radical, and my 88-year-old grandmother approves.

*"To whom much is given, much is expected." I do have the privilege to be able to not work today. I'm using that privilege for good, not evil, unlike the many misogynistic detractors who are attempting to belittle this movement. Again, my working helps no one but the school for which I work.