Dear all,
2020, it seems is quickly becoming the year we were all not expecting as heaviness arises each and every single day.
There is still war, riots, and something that we might as well call a plague. There is further injustice, unfairness, and racism it seems, just like the virus, is getting stronger, and deadlier.
Just because I am back in Malaysia, does not mean that I do not care about what goes on on the other side of the world, especially when it happens somewhere where I used to call home for over 10 years.
When I first moved to LA, I was taken in by @traciethoms, who kindly let me stay at her house whilst I navigate myself and find my feet then ultimately, my own place. She also educated me a lot about black history, their culture, their hair, their food, and what it means to be black in America.
Tracie is a successful, talented actor, you may have seen her on RENT, Devil Wears Prada, Tarantino movies etc. But even more than that, she is a strong, warm hearted person who is proud to be black, so much so that she once told me to not say “African-American” because she. is. BLACK AND PROUD OF IT!
We had many parties at her house with other successful black actors, and it was always super fun, although, we’d hear every now and then about someone they know facing great injustice by authorities for no reason. They have been taught since they were kids, what to do, even when the cops pulled you over, because they wouldn’t know what that might escalate too.
At the time, social media was yet to be used as a tool to raise awareness, so I was hearing all these stories and experiences first hand and of course, it shocked me to the core. Every time the stories were told to me, my question was always, “Wait, he didn’t do anything though?!”
“Well… That’s America for ya.” they would say.
As a musician, it makes me sad to know that the very same people brought so much music and art and changed the course of history. As artists, you should know that your work is influenced by black artists and culture. YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS. Educate yourselves on the history and what they had to endure just so they can keep living their art and truth! Really understand what depth lies in one single word.
My fellow Malaysians, we know we also have a healthy dose of our own country’s concerns and yes, racism is also alive and well here too, but lets be an exemplary nation that is kind, welcoming, and wise enough to make decisions that would make this country a safe space FOR EVERYONE!
“I’m not black, but I see you. I’m not black, but I hear you. I’m not black, but I mourn with you. I’m not black, but I see the injustice that you face daily. I’m not black, but I see your fear for your sons and even your daughters. I’m not black, but I will stand with you.”
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