"We may have all come on different  ships, 

 but we're in the same boat now" ~ MLK          

On Monday, January 20th, 2025 , on the day we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Matrin Luthur King the United States will no longer be a democracy. We will be an oligarchy, and I am not being dramatic (though at times I can be—unfortunetly, this is not one of those times).

Racism and hate are on the rise, and women’s rights have regressed to the era of the 1950s housewife. 

Truth be told, though, we’ve been here before. Our ancestors lived this reality—surviving, fighting, resisting, and dreaming of a better future for ALL of us.

Today, we stand at a crossroads they would recognize all too well.

To my ancestors: I call on your strength, your wisdom, and your unshakable courage. You endured unimaginable trials and carved a path out of darkness. Now, it is our turn to honor your legacy.

To my Black, Brown, Asian, LGBTQ+, and Native American communities: This is our call to action. 

Our strength lies in unity. Divided, they can conquer us. Together, we are unstoppable. Each of us carries the stories of resilience and hope written into our bones. 

Each of us holds the power to turn the tides.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.” His words remind us that no matter where we came from, our fates are intertwined. 

It is our collective responsibility to uphold the ideals of justice, equality, and freedom for all. 

As we honor his legacy, let us commit to walking in his footsteps, standing together in the face of adversity, and continuing the work he so courageously began.United, we are strongly rooted in the struggles of those who came before us and fueled by the dreams of a future we will create together. 

This is not just about resisting injustice; it’s about building a world where everyone belongs, where diversity is celebrated, and where equality is not a fight but a given.

History will remember what we do today and all our days moving forward ... Let it be said that we stood shoulder to shoulder, amplified each other’s voices, and refused to back down. Together, we will rise.

PEACE, LOVE & RESISTANCE: STRENGTH IN UNITY, Robin A. Barnette Founder, MIXED GIRL BEAUTIFUL CPG Sales Strategist, Performance & Empowerment Coach, Author, and Speaker