What is Power?

Power comes from the Latin word potere, which means "to be able."

Talking to a few friends yesterday about what we mean when we say 'We need the power' or 'We don't have the power' - in my opinion, this is the overall conversation we should all be having. We already know that the disenfranchised communities hold no power, but what exactly do they not hold? Is it money, is it land, is it a seat at the table in local politics, on the board of directors, etc, or maybe all of those things and more?

What would happen if black people, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ communities stopped asking to sit at the table only? What if we identified what a new matrix looks like, one built by and for black people, people of color, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities? What if our elite and people of means, invested money in this idea and helped create our own?

Our own theatres, producing our work, hiring our people, funded by our communities! That sounds like POWER to me. TO BE ABLE is the goal, so what do we think about this concept of POWER? Besides the richer and more influential black, POC, and LGBTQIA+ friends, what can we all do to elevate our lives and tap into our POWER? I think it comes down to financial literacy + ownership + a greater sense of self-worth... all of which have been systematically stripped away by any and all means necessary.

To the white allies and accomplices on this platform, this question is for you as well. What and how do you want these things to change? What do we do about these truths, and how do we push through, climb over, and create a sense of self-power that can radiate into communities, corporations, institutions, and governmental structures like a ripple without all of you feeling threatened?

I know how I'm trying to do it! Teaching the next generation, creating this platform, investing my money with personal wealth in mind but community investment as a life goal.

• What are you thinking about doing?

• What is your plan?

• Anyone?

I would love to hear some ideas from this community on how you plan to ripple and radiate a change that is attainable and timely.