On the Importance of Community

As a member of the most diverse writing collective on these racial justice streets, I have something noteworthy to say

Let me tell you about the Writers and Editors of Color community. It was founded by two strong Black women a couple of years ago. These two wonderful people invited me in, embraced me, and helped guide my work.

Since then, a leadership council was created. I was invited to become a leader, which I accepted with grace. For more than a year I have been in leadership with 4 Black women and 2 Black men. As the only non-black person in the council, I do not take this position lightly.

This collective is made up of writers from diverse backgrounds. Lawyers, academics, scholars, rappers, and poets provide just a sample of what we’re made of. We come from all over the world too. Palestinians, Latinos from all over the hemisphere, Black people, Ghanaians, Asians, and people from all over Africa and Europe.

These perspectives are of the utmost importance when attempting to discuss some of the biggest issues affecting us all. But more so, non-white people. We cover everything from poverty and criminal justice to abolition and politics in general. We speak when we are needed the most on any given issue. And we do that every single day.

We uphold each other, support each other, and come through whenever anyone needs anything. I suffer from many issues after surviving a stroke. Depression and a severe anxiety disorder only amplify the physiological problems I’ve been left with. Because of that, I am no longer allowed to drive and the fear of having a seizure in public keeps me from leaving the house 90% of the time. I can’t attend press conferences and protests to report on them on a whim. It’s not easy and I try to take my health as seriously as possible.

(sorry, not sorry)

But this group keeps me going. They support me in ways I can’t even describe. It’s family. When we meet every Sunday on Twitter Spaces, it’s Church. When I need them to guide me through a mental health crisis, they text me. We even edit and peer-review each other’s work and provide leads to outlets that pay well. We do so much for each other that it’s hard to verbalize it all.

And when they need me, I’m always there. Need a source? Advice? Or just talk? I got them. Every time. Truth is, without the support of so many strong and vocal Black women, my life wouldn’t be where it is today.

While I still struggle financially and am still homeless after 8 years (living with family), my career is finally starting to take off. I’ve been a journalist for 7 years now. I write primarily on national issues and I’ve gotten tons of attention during that time. But attention doesn’t pay the bills. It does, however, elevate my profile which should inevitably help financially (theoretically, anyway). Truth is, without this community, I’d be dead in the water.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.

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Arturo is a writer, journalist, and publisher of The Antagonist Magazine and a regular contributor at Latino Rebels and Unicorn Riot. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.