Dear Carl,
My social media consumption this week was dramatically reduced due to battling allergies which resulted in just enough energy to do what was on my calendar and rest. Which is why I was late to see and honor your transition.
Carl, you in many ways represent the substance of liberation movements. You served your People with love and grace and fought everyday to ensure they had dignity. You always reminded me that there were more examples of us, as a Diasporic people, moving together than the narratives that aim to divide us. Your quest for equal treatment for Black immigrants made me understand the journey of my parents even more deeply—who likely moved very carefully as they awaited 20 years before they were citizens this nation.
But you also modeled what it meant to support Black women and femme leaders. I learned about the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) while co-organizing Million March NYC, when I invited then Executive Director Opal Tometi (also co-founder of Black Lives Matter) to join the march. That opened the door to learning more about BAJI and it made me ask “how can I learn more about this organization?” Shortly thereafter, we connected—although regrettably I’m a little foggy on the how and when. What I do know is you were a beautiful protector of so many sistren, like Tia and like Nana. You were the “yes” when so many are quick to say “nah, I can’t do it.” I never had to twist your arm to respond to my policy questions. And when I was trying to pull together narratives from leaders I felt others should know about at an extremely tense time in our nation, you always showed up. Like you did in this video.
I’m saddened that I just kept this video in my phone all these years. Since 2018. That I didn’t have enough resources to finish this project. You and so many others were absolutely brilliant. And while I was late to publicly respond to your passing, these 20 minutes reminded me of your genius. Everyone who knew you knew you were special. And now those who never met you will too. I will finish this project. You are right: the state of Black America is strong.
Thank you for loving us so much. And fighting for us with all the breath you had in your body. Rest in both peace and power, Ancestor.
Love,
Ify
This video was recorded on my iphone for a project I was commissioned to do called “The State of Hate in Black America.” The goal was to examine the regressive policies taken place especially in light of then United States president, Donald Trump. Carl was one on the brilliant people I interviewed. Please learn more about and support the Black Alliance for Just Immigration where he dutifully served as their former Deputy Executive Director at the height of the Black Lives Matter Movement.