I believe timing is key to everything. After taking a break to refocus, I planned to introduce myself and 1982 formally - go over my purpose, brand, and vision. But my heart is heavy. The recent acts of police brutality heavily weigh on me, as it should be for most of us. I do not have a huge platform, but I want to make a difference. I've made donations, signed petitions, and supported the movement to end these unjust acts and will continue to do so. It looks like we've made progress with the recent arrest of the police officers associated with George Floyd's murder. However, we are far from the finish line. We can't stop now. A charge is not a conviction. Also, as of today, the officers involved in Breonna Taylor's murder have still not been arrested. And these are just a few of the hundreds of unjust victims of police brutality - known and unknown.
My message to you is to stay strong and do your part. It's been going on for so long that it can feel hopeless, but this way of thinking is not going to get us anywhere. If each of us does our part to help, petition, vote, bring awareness, we can make a huge impact! Do not let fear or anything else silence your voice! There are tons of legit organizations fighting for the cause. I have chosen to partner with my college alumni association (Howard University) and also Color of Change. A portion of the proceeds from any sales will be donated towards the cause as well.
On top of the light shed on the crude social injustices that we are facing, we are still in a pandemic!! I am a full-time clinical research scientist, and things have been hectic lately. We have been working on vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 nonstop, along with continuing to research and provide treatment options for other diseases and conditions. While we are not at the peak numbers we've seen previously, the threat is still very real! The number of reported cases increased by ~15000 since yesterday, with ~800 deaths. Protect yourselves and your family.
Please be safe!
~Scherrie