Seeking Freedom to Breathe

     The arrival of Covid 19 in the United States in 2020 brought out the best and worst in people. It struck at the heart of the country leaving people fighting to breathe and over a million dead. The Black and elderly communities suffered the most from COVID 19. Unfortunately, this deadly virus isn’t the only plague our country faces today. Racism raised its ugly head as divisions among the black and white, left and right, rich and poor, young and old surfaced over different political views on life-threatening situations.

    My novel, Seeking Freedom to Breathe (a sequel to Teach Mankind to Fish) reveals a parallel between the deadly virus and the deadly acts of law enforcement officials hired to preserve the peace and provide safety for all people in their states and communities across America.

    I wrote this novel to emphasize fears in the Black communities. Whether running from a deadly virus, shot by police officers, or having policemen’s knees on their necks, all will rob the innocent of the ability to breathe. Completing this novel  challenged me to walk a mile in the shoes of people with skin color different from mine.

    COVID 19’s sudden appearance created fear for people all over the world. To date, vaccines have relieved much of that fear. While in America, racism is on the rise with no relief in sight. I believe injustice should be a topic of discussion until racism disappears and freedom and equality exist in all communities. I fear there is less reason for optimism that it will disappear. As of 2022, there is no vaccine for racism or hate.

If Seeking Freedom to Breathe creates conversation around the topics in my novel, I will have accomplished my purpose for writing it.