_tyson_open_letter

Page 1

Title and Subject

• An Open Letter to the Union of Concerned Scientists: Addressing issues surrounding Black death, silencing, and fugitivity.

• Affirmation of Black life from a concerned Black human.

Page 2

Important Quotes

• Octavia Butler: "All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change. God is change."

• Zora Neale Hurston: "If you are silent about your pain, they will kill you and say you enjoyed it."

• Mary Hooks: "The mandate for Black people in this time is to avenge the suffering of our ancestors...be willing to be transformed in the service of the work."

• Audre Lorde: "When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed...so it is better to speak, remembering we were never meant to survive."

Page 3

Reflection on Black Life

• Emphasizes the ongoing stress and trauma experienced by Black people in society.

• Importance of storytelling and encouraging deeper examinations of truth.

• Acknowledges historical suffering and systemic violence against Black people.

• Calls for celebration and affirmation of Black life and survival, urging for compassion and understanding within communities.

• Personal commitment to using voice for affirmation and healing, not just mourning.

Page 4

Structural Issues and Personal Reflection

• Stresses the importance of sharing personal experiences to highlight institutional truths.

• Discusses challenges faced in the workplace, expressing mistrust in job structures and their exploitative nature.

• Reflection on past teaching roles and desire for a more impactful connection to community struggles related to food access and justice.

• Recognition of how systemic issues limit overall effectiveness in community-focused roles.

Page 5

Journey Towards UCS

• Describes feelings of optimism when confronted with the idea of joining the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

• Outlines struggles with past jobs and inspirations derived from policy initiatives aimed at improving food access.

• Detail of the application and interview process, revealing initial confidence and excitement.

Page 6

Onboarding Experience

• Contrasts warm initial reception with feelings of isolation once responsibilities commenced.

• Discusses lack of direction and support in new role at UCS.

• Emphasis on disconnect between job expectations and the organization’s onboarding support, highlighting confusion in coalition dynamics.

Page 7

Increasing Responsibilities and Challenges

• Talks about being overwhelmed by combined roles and expectations, feeling overextended and drained.

• Witnessed how institutional cultures can stifle individual contributions and voices, alongside feelings of being marginalized within a white-dominated environment.

Page 8

Observations of Office Culture

• Insights into the existing power dynamics and marginalization of BIPOC staff within the office culture.

• Details on how systemic inequalities persist in daily operations through microaggressions and unchecked privilege.

Page 9

Isolation and Invisibility

• Experiences of feeling voiceless and undervalued in workspace environments.

• Emphasis on the need for recognition and collective humanity over numerical contributions.

Page 10

Need for Healing and Support

• Discusses the impact of systemic pressures that hinder personal and community health.

• Continuous struggle with mental health and inability to access appropriate care or leave for healing.

Page 11

Decision-Making Dynamics

• Contrasts personal intentions of loyalty with the organization’s demand for continuous productivity.

• Exploration of loyalty as a double-edged sword affecting mental health and personal well-being.

Page 12

Disappointment in Organizational Culture

• Encountered lack of genuine passion and commitment to equity and justice among some peers in the organization.

• Describes minor recognition of BIPOC contributions amidst ongoing systemic inequities.

Page 13

Burden of Emotional Labor

• The internal struggle with being expected to perform emotional labor without proper acknowledgment.

• Weight of systemic expectations versus personal values leads to a sense of deterioration.

Page 14

Impact of COVID-19

• COVID-19 highlighted organizational weaknesses and overwhelming workloads increase feelings of despair.

• Desire for time to reflect and heal amidst personal and global crises.

Page 15

Embracing Freedom and Joy

• Highlights a turning point towards personal rejuvenation and the reclamation of joy post-UCS.

• Actively engages in creative pursuits and self-care practices emerging from the trauma of previous experiences.

Page 16

Empowering Others

• Encouragement for individuals and communities to prioritize self-care, healing, and mutual support.

• Advocates for recognizing systemic inequalities and addressing them through concerted actions against oppressive structures.

Page 17

Request for Accountability

• References the emotional toll of storytelling and invites support for future endeavors.

• Call for accountability and meaningful change within organizations regarding BIPOC staff experience.