Alright – so, as I have said before and let me say it again, the job of an advocate is to rock the status quo. It is not to befriend or care about the selfish folks’ feelings who are benefiting from the status quo.
Further, as a black, Somali, Muslim, woman and most importantly autism mom, it is a thousand times harder to advocate for law and policy changes. Why? Because when a white woman advocates, she is a compassionate person who is passionate about the issue. When a black, Muslim, Somali woman does it, well then….wait for it….. drum roll please…..it is original….not really; she is an angry black woman. I have decided to wear this title with honor. I am a woman, I am Muslim, I am Somali and I am a pissed autism mom. I am not here to appease you or to make you feel comfortable. Why should I? your racist policies have made me and those who look like me incredibly uncomfortable.
You see, Commissioner Harpstead, you can surround yourself with Yes Ma’am Driving Miss Daisy black women/men gatekeepers at DHS to make you feel good. Facts are facts and data are data. Your administration has fired and screwed with black and brown folks more than the last three commissioners combined. Do you ever take responsibility. Heck no. Do you ever acknowledge the concerns and change. That would be too easy. No. you shut those that disagree with you down. You ignore it as though that makes the problem go away. It does not.
You are by far, the worst commissioner I had the displeasure of advocating in my almost 15 years of doing this. I am trying to retire at the end of this legislative session, but your ignorance and arrogance regarding the plethora of issues facing our communities may just make me stay on longer.
I was watching your horrifying reappointment in the Health and Human Services Committee in the senate where you gave yourself more credit than a boxing promotor, and all white legislators praised and showered you with candy and empty sugar. Well, except for the Brazilian doctor who became a legislator; she was simply quiet and mute. There is nothing more unattractive than a minority person in a position of power and influence who kisses ass instead of kicking ass.
I recently read this book and thought of how entitled and privileged you seem to me. I also thought of how One Minnesota Hoax Governor allows you with impunity to neglect and dismiss the very vulnerable communities that you are supposed to serve and support.
The above words do not reflect any candidate, agency, or committee.
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Advocate