Our family has an annual Christmas tradition where we write letters — but not necessarily to each other. They are a summary of the past year and what we look forward to in the next year. I’m pretty sure my letter this year will simply be COVID-19 and racial unrest!
My family and I have lived in Southlake for 11 of the past 14 years. While we have moved to several states and experienced life in major cities and suburbs, Southlake is the only city we’ve lived in twice. We came back because it was familiar and provided a smoother transition for our youngest daughter. It has been an interesting journey, but I have never experienced anything like what we are seeing around the country, and in Southlake.
When I reflect on the pandemic and the racial unrest spurred in part by the killing of George Floyd, and others at the hand of police, it has not all been bad. I’ve learned a lot about our community. I’ve attended more city council meetings than ever before. I’ve learned more about city government, including what SPIN actually does. I’ve met neighbors I did not know in my own neighborhood. I’ve ordered takeout from restaurants where I’ve never dined before to support small businesses. I’ve taken long walks and seen neighborhoods and parks I never knew existed, not to mention my personal and professional growth.
I have also witnessed firsthand an undercurrent of racist and bigoted behavior that often goes unnoticed in less challenging times. I am by no means naïve. I knew it existed, but not to the levels I have seen recently. I was active in the community for many years. We have friends of all races. Our daughters went to school here. We attended church in this community. Yet my friends and our deep-rooted beliefs, our views on racial disparities and personal life experiences that shaped these views had never been the topic of any real or meaningful conversation. I think we were all, myself included, basking in the superficial, pride-filled lifestyle of Southlake. “Protect the tradition.” We embraced that sentiment. After all, we all want to belong. Times are changing. We are in a time of reckoning. As Southlake residents, we will each have to examine our hearts to move forward. Let’s define and put clarity around what traditions we are protecting.
Our kids are watching us, and I believe more education happens outside the classroom. It happens in our homes and with those we surround ourselves with. Allan Jenkins, CEO of the Opportunity Agenda, stated, ‘This is our modern civil rights movement, a time to address less visible but very important inequities in our society.”
I remain hopeful that my Christmas letter next year (God willing) will include stories of resilience, openness, respect and love. I hope my 2021 letter will be about how Southlake became a more inclusive community, not just with words but with deeds. That is a tradition I would be honored to protect.
Donna James-Harvey is a Southlake mom, has worked with several nonprofits in Tarrant County and is currently embarking on a new role focused on racial justice.
“In 500” is a monthly department written by members of our community in 500 words. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Southlake Style.
If you are interested in submitting a piece, please email Editor@SouthlakeStyle.com.