Kuumba and COVID-19

Kuumba and COVID-19

When the rhythm of the drumbeat changes, the dance step must adapt.

African Proverb

For many, this African Proverb sums up our current health crisis with COVID-19. Over the last month, our lives have changed significantly if not forever. The daily rhythm and routine that we once knew may never be the same for a “new normal” is fast upon us. During times like these it is important to remember that our ancestors who braved the middle passage, survived, and dealt with far worse conditions.  

From my personal experience, I can honestly say that like many others I found myself caught up in the panic. As a result, I bought more brands of toilet paper than I ever imagined possible. In fact, I have so many varieties, I could probably open a wholesale store in my bathroom. Now don’t get me wrong,  I did not hoard.  However, I did stock up enough to feel comfortable. I did this by going to the store at the crack of dawn and purchasing whatever brand was available.  Now in hindsight,  I realize I don’t go to the bathroom that much and unlike before, I am more aware of what I am using due to the shortage caused by this health crisis.   

In writing this piece, I was interested in the stories of other Kuumba members and their experiences during this trying time. Below I have included responses shared by a few  our members.

Kuumba Treasurer – Gwendolyn Napier had this to say,

“I discovered years back that I was wasting food I had purchased due to  eating out 7 days a week. I have been eating out for the last 12 years and really have enjoyed it. So, it was difficult for me to go out and buy groceries. I managed to buy a few items for hard times while I have been SIP. I  had an opportunity to see others in the store with their buggy’s full and almost changed my routine. I decided to maintain  my normal routine of ordering my meals or using the drive-in windows. I feel happy doing this. Most people are probably saying “I don’t trust eating out right now”. Well, I think I am safer eating out now than ever before because ‘I know everyone is washing their hands’.”

Professional Development Chair  – Vern Bailey shared this experience,

I took a deep breath and walked into the store. Ducking and dodging the people inside the store while maintaining a 6 feet distance, I managed to pick up the things that I needed. Only a few things left, I went to get some ground beef. No, I can’t. There is someone standing there. I will have to come back. I went to get some bell peppers. They had been picked over. Surely, I can find 4 that look decent. The bell peppers kept falling and I was frantic to get in and out.

While I was standing there a man’s hand and arm reached across my face. It was so close; I could have bitten it. I panicked and left with 3 peppers. This man did not have a mask or any gloves on. I left with whatever I had managed to collect in my buggy. I rushed through the check out and landed panting in the driver’s seat. I was thinking about whether I had been exposed and if I would have to start counting from 15 days backwards. There was gospel music on the radio. I collected myself. A calm- peace came over me. I was reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Queen Storyteller Brenda Griffin wrote these words of faith and encouragement,

“Family and friends in the midst of this virus, like the children of Israel we have been sheltered in place  in a spiritual Goshen. It may be your home, workplace, or anywhere you are currently confined. This plague like those that blanketed Goshen serves to draw us closer to the one true source, not ABC, CBS, NBC, but the GOD Network. Unlike the other networks, He broadcasts 24/7/365. Are you listening?”

This is what I hear:

• Reflect on what he has already brought you through. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
• Keep physical distance, but maintain social connection, via  social media, phone, text, etc. We live longer when we know that someone cares.
• Do some self-reflection. No  matter how “right” we think we are, sometimes it is you standing in the need of prayer.

And finally, from Kuumba President – Gloria Elder,  

“It had been two weeks and a day since the mandate to “Shelter in Place” because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I was feeling isolated and cut-off from the world. Then I realized no one is alone! We are all in this together. I immediately changed my attitude and I started to think and say positive things to myself. I started to focus on the gift in this situation like, I am alive, and I can get through this. I began to write in my journal daily. I focused on writing down “Three Things that Bring Absolute Love and Delight to my Life”. My daily journal uplifts my mind, body, and spirit!”

Although each of us had a unique experience, the one commonality is the impact this new reality has made on all our lives. That my friends is the power of story!  The only way to understand it is to keep doing what we do!

So with that being said, be well, be safe, tell stories!

Chetter M. Galloway – Kuumba Vice President/Secretary 2020 – 2021