3 weeks ago, while on my porch, I experienced a driveby shooting for the first time.
I haven’t quite known where to start with this one. And honestly it’s taken a few weeks to decompress, process, and figure out what I’m even trying to say or if saying anything is in order. After all, these posts can often seem ‘victimy’ or “she’s so brave” or whatever. People will think whatever.
The last year in Germantown has been...well probably like the last year in most inner city neighborhoods. Run down, more depraved, more pressure-cooked. More everything…except full of life and joy. I live on a…
A few months ago I had an experience that will forever stay imprinted in me.
This is a story I would typically only share with a few friends (and i have) - and only specific ones who might listen openly. But as we stepped into this much anticipated week, i felt the pull to share more widely as we round out what has felt like a marathon year of struggle, disappointments, and lack of hope.
I once made a comment on social media about my conflict with February consistently being my busiest month of the year. I had 2 consecutive years where I played 20+ college shows in one month (maybe about 5 or so the rest of the year). Those two years left an imprint on me, an unsettled feeling that has never left. “Don't bite the hand that feeds you, Joy. Appreciate the fact that 40% of your income comes from a month with the least amount of days. Don't get annoyed with the fact that these campuses are only booking you b/c it's Black History Month. You're black.”
