The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window (excerpt), Lorraine Hansberry
Meditation
I’m often described by my friends and family as a “hopeless optimist,” a term often paired with “youthful idealism,” and a tone suggesting humor in the naïveté of such traits. But truthfully, it’s a lot of hard work to overcome cynicism and remain grounded in the words of Lorraine Hansberry, to believe in life and love and the ultimate goodness of people. While some may believe me to be a fool for doing so, it’s a daily intention and commitment to see hurt, to feel pain, and choose to turn that desperation into energy that can move things.
Do Hansberry’s words resonate with you? How do you make sense of the world around you when you hurt terribly? What does it take to channel hurt and desperation into energy? What would the world look like if collective energy propelled movements forward?
Brianna Curran, Washington, DC
