Open Heart Letter from Michelle Norwood
Speaking from my heart.
My brothers unexpected passing, Covid, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and so many other senseless deaths, protesting for BLM, July feeling like it was 365 all by itself and now the horrific explosion in Beirut, it’s unequivocally safe to say 2020 has not been the year I thought it would be.
I am bubbly, glass half full, everything will be fine,
trust the journey kind of woman.
I am bubbly, glass half full, everything will be fine, trust the journey kind of woman. I am also direct, to the point, I despise small talk and am brutally honest. If you ask me a question you will get the truth. What I have learned through all of this, is that as human beings with distinct differences, races and cultures - we have a lack of knowledge of one another and down right fear. We fear what we don’t know, however, if we never get to know each other - we will never remove the fear and lack of knowledge of each other's cultures and experiences.
The fact that many people don’t see this,
is the reason privilege continues to exist and
the reason we are fighting everyday for BLM.
Because of stereotypes and varied experiences, black people are often referred to as aggressive. However, if you spent your whole life fighting for social justice, equal education, equal housing, equal rights, basic fair and equal treatment, among other things, wouldn’t you be aggressive? Wouldn't you want to make sure your truth was told at every turn? The fact that many people don’t see this, is the reason privilege continues to exist and the reason we are fighting everyday for BLM.
I have many friends of many different races, cultures, backgrounds and social status. I myself grew up in a middle class home, we travelled every summer, hosted events (my Granny’s home was the party house), and my dad’s family even calls my mom, Mrs. Chancellor (I may have just told my age, lol). In other words, you don’t actually know me or my story.
I invite you to take this relationship off
social media and let’s make a real connection.
You only know my social media presence, however, many still pass judgement based upon the small part of my life they see on social media. If you want to get to know the bubbly, brutally honest, will say anything and tell you exactly how she feels, woman I am.
I invite you to take this relationship off social media and let’s make a real connection. I am ready for us to genuinely connect! So who will be the first? Who will accept this challenge? What do you have to lose? Or are you comfortable with your assumptions and biases? Even if you choose to never reach out, never get to know new people, or choose not to actively shift the narrative - that’s okay, just keep your judgements and your hate to yourself. And for the love of God people, where your mask! I would like to get back to my regular life before I die. Thank you!
Michelle Norwood is a Wedding & Event Planner in New Orleans. Michelle Norwood Events was founded rich diversity, magic and beauty of the city. Michelle's work has been featured in Bazaar, VOGUE, Brides, Martha Stewart and more. Be sure to take a look at more of Michelle's amazing work on @michellenorwoodevents Instagram.
- Event Planning & Design: Michelle Norwood Events
- Photographers: Mo Davis Photography