“I need you to survive.” It was a song lyric at an interfaith Thanksgiving service. African American women were singing the lyrics while interpreting in sign language. Soon one came to me personally and gazed deep into my eyes while pointing a finger at my chest as she repeated the refrain, “I need you to survive.” Over and over. I was mesmerized.
“I need you. You need me. . .” Everyone in the room was gifted that same experience: a personal, intimate gaze into their eyes. The women’s voices lilted gently, like water rolling over creek stones on its way to the river.
“You are important to me. I need you to survive.” The women knew something the rest of us had not yet absorbed. Something about humanity. In this time of Othering our fellows, they reminded us that we all need all of us. No matter that Black folk are a mystery to White folk and the other way around. No matter who believes in MAGA and who protests against it. Survival means community. Community is every person.
When those dark, knowing eyes broke their hold on mine, I wiped a tear. So did others. What in life is more powerful than being seen? Being seen and needed for the survival of all.
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