Editor’s Note: This is the second post in a three-part series from Mohan Kanungo, the new Chair of the Prosperity Now Community Steering Committee. Read Part 1 in this series.
Yesterday, I began with a story of tragedy. Today, I acknowledge that for every story of tragedy, there is a story of people and institutions banding together to transcend difference and division.
There are stories like the one of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who, without batting an eye, promised to defend immigrants if they were detained while fleeing from Hurricane Harvey. There are stories like the DACA recipient serving as a first responder rescuing victims of the hurricane. And, there are stories like the Indian American person who runs an initiative supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission to train residents of Kentucky’s coal country for jobs in the tech sector.
Before the hurricanes, the murder of White activist Heather Heyer propelled many of us into action after neo-Nazis and members of the so-called “alt-right” convened in Charlottesville. After Charlottesville, I have been most inspired by the youth in Oakland. One group I met decided to sell lemonade and cookies to donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups around the country.
Another young person I heard speak this past week, a 16-year-old from Oakland named Lucy Siale, organized a rally to support DACA. Some of Lucy’s classmates dismissed her efforts and told her no one would come. I guess they figured out they were wrong when more than 2,000 activists participated. At the rally, Lucy spoke repeatedly about the importance of being radical, which for her meant ensuring that folks with disabilities could see and listen so they could participate. She asked them to lead the march later and insisted we follow at their pace.
What was so powerful about Lucy’s words and her activism was how she acknowledged that the challenges facing the immigrant community and the challenges facing the disability community are intertwined. The reality in America is that there’s gross inequality between just about all groups and in just about every measure. The 2017 Prosperity Now Scorecard makes this clear, and it also makes clear that these chasms won’t be solved by bake sales or sheet cakes alone. Rather, inequality becomes more pronounced when disaster strikes; hurricanes and wildfires exacerbate, not cause, inequality.
Immigrants, people of color and low-wealth communities face additional challenges during the types of natural tragedies we’ve seen in recent weeks. And I can’t help but wonder: When will we, as a country, meet people where they are? When will we devise relevant, targeted strategies and services that meet people’s needs? When will we stop supporting only those who fit into an exclusionary narrative about who is most deserving and in need of help? One only need to look at what’s happening (or, rather, not happening) in Puerto Rico right now to see what I mean.
These questions are not meant to generate guilt, blame or shame. I truly believe most of us mean well and are, in fact, overwhelmed by all that’s needed. We want to give, and we want to take action, but we feel like there’s so little we can do.
This is the power of the Prosperity Now Community. Members of this Community—you—you make a difference by taking those actions, big and small. Sure, you feel overwhelmed, but you’ve also seen first-hand the power of meeting people where they are. Whether that’s in the places people live, work or play, you know that people can take advantage of the services and support offered to them only when those services and support are targeted, meaningful and culturally informed.
Of course, none of that changes the fact that progress can seem distant, and no amount of personal experience can prevent us from getting discouraged. So, the question becomes: What can I do?
Earlier this year, I made the following resolution: Aware of suffering and injustice, I, Mohan Kanungo, am working to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. I promise, for the benefit of all, to practice self-care, mindfulness, healing and joy. I vow to not burn out.
Admittedly, I am not always the best at following this resolution, but I was reminded of my commitment, following Logic’s performance at this year’s Video Music Awards.
His song, “1-800-273-8255,” acknowledges the social isolation people face when confronted with anxiety or depression, but his album acknowledges how racism, discrimination, sexual assault and domestic violence impact public health issues like suicide. It’s also an issue—like poverty and financial insecurity—that still isn’t talked about enough, in part because it’s such an isolating experience. Everyone on that stage though—those who attempted suicide and those who lost loved ones—stood in a powerful display conveying compassion, vulnerability and strength. Logic’s song and message at the end of the performance are worth listening to in their entirety, but here’s an excerpt:
“I am here to fight for your equality. I believe we are all born equal, but we are not all treated equally.And that is why we must fight, we must fight for the equality of every man, woman and child regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation.
If you believe in this message, in my message, of peace, love and positivity and equality for all, then I demand that you rise to your feet and applaud, not only for yourselves, but for the foundation we are laying for our children.”
And so, as you reflect on that ever-lingering question—what can I do? —I encourage you to think about this: What is the pledge you will take? How will you, as a member of the Prosperity Now Community, continue your commitment to the people you serve without burning out?
As Logic says, we must fight.
Mohan Kanungo is the Director of Programs and Engagement for San Francisco’s Mission Asset Fund, and the chair of Prosperity Now’s Community Steering Committee.
This article originally appeared on the Prosperity Now Blog, which features ideas and stories from Prosperity Now and other leading voices in our community who are opening the door to opportunity for millions of Americans.
Stay tuned for part 3 of Kanungo’s series, sharing the experiences that led to his interest and commitment to social justice, and to the work is he is doing today.
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