365 Days Later…

We’re still here.

A year ago today the Sable Verity was born.  What can I say, it’s been an interesting journey.  I started the blog because the minority voice in Seattle is, well, lacking.  We’re expected to always speak as one, to accept being painted in broad strokes, when that’s not who we are at all.

The SV came on the scene just at the right time, as news media across the country struggles to remain relevant in the age of technology; we needn’t pick up a newspaper to get information when we can check our wireless handheld of choice.

Bloggers have stepped boldly onto the scene and flexed serious muscle, never more so than during the election of our 44th President Barack Obama.  While many have chastised the internet as being filled with useless junk like myspace, facebook and free blogs- those very same tools elected a President and forever changed the history and course of the country- and probably the world.

Even in countries where the internet, television and print media are highly censored by the government- information has found a way to get out, to shine the unapologetic light on what we all seem to hunger for: the truth.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started down this road.  My only goal was to be honest- about anything and everything- just be honest.  Be available.  Be unapologetic.

It has been a privilege to have people appreciate what is said here.  Because it really isn’t easy.  I’m a writer, first and foremost, and, despite what many people think, it isn’t an easy task.   I try to be emotionally invested and available for anything that I write about…it’s not easy.  I believe that we can all be emotionally available and invested and still be objective as people.

It wasn’t easy to say the African American Academy should be shut down.  I had- and still have- a lot of very angry Black folks who offer choice words via my email box.  But what was said here, needed to be said.

It wasn’t easy to cover the Josef Fritzl incest case, for this entire year.  Well over a hundred posts for that one subject; a woman, held captive by her father in a basement cellar for more than 20 years- forced to bring his children into the world.  Fritzl just recently pleaded guilty to all counts- including 2nd degree murder after one of the children he fathered with her became ill and eventually died- he threw the tiny body into the furnace and went on about his day.  The discovery of the Fritzl case helped shine a light on similar cases around the country, most recently the case in Italy.

Then there is the case of Mr. Paroline; punched to death by Brian Keith Brown while tending to the traffic circle garden outside of his home.  Paroline had been confronted by some ignant ass girls who eventually led Brown to the traffic circle, where he killed Paroline with a single punch to his head.  We still have the picture of Mr. Paroline, his head smashed in, his blood moving across the cement.  It is a traumatizing image- that of a man taking his final breaths.

We covered many a murder of young Black men in Seattle, most recently Tyrone Love.  Each of these cases has been difficult to write about, but the Love case is an experience that almost defies any words.   It has truly been a blessing to share with Seattle and the rest of the globe, the life and story of this wonderful man.  It has been one of the most painful experiences of the past year.  I shed countless, truly countless tears and called on those around me, seen and unseen, to get me through it.

Exposing the fuckery afoot in the school closure process was one of our more frustrating experiences.  Sundquist was crooked as a bolt of lightening.  Cooper Elementary should never have gone on the closure list (none of the schools should have).  The “process’ was a joke, and the damage done can’t be revoked, no matter how many lawsuits are filed, and no matter if they prevail.  Once the dye is cast, the tapestry is forever changed.

There have been times when I thought I would close the blog.  When I’m uninspired, dead tired, drained, frustrated and emotionally bankrupt, I think, “eff it,” it was nice while it lasted, time to move on.

But we’re still here.

As with most things, the SV is changing.  We have other contributors, and hope to increase that number.  Biracial Tiffany is frikken awesomeful.  I knew when I asked her if I could feature her on the site that she was droppin’ jewels, but the more I listen to her the more awe-inspiring she is.  I think she is a genius.    Brother to the Night is one of the best writers around, no matter the coast or continent, he is just straight brilliant.  His nick name is officially Mr. Levity.  Bruh is funny.  But it’s not just kicks and giggles kiddies, the reason his writing is so funny, is because it’s intelligent and to the point. I wanna write like that when I grow up.

I hope more voices find their way to the site; the more perspective, the better.

It’s an honor to be contacted be folks in the community who needed help, had a story idea or a hot tip to share- ya’ll are the creme of the crop!  Sometimes an email comes through from someone who needs to vent what they are going through.  Some of these people have become friends, and will likely be lifelong friends.  I could have never predicted or even imagined just how profoundly the blog would change, shape and direct (or redirect) my life’s path and purpose.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself- it’s that fantastical.

And now, a new year has dawned (cue epic music).  What will come from it is anyone’s guess- but if year 1 is any indication- year 2 is lookin’ pretty damn good right about now.  Hopefully you’ll continue to enjoy what we bring.  If you don’t like it that’s okay, I mean, I’ll consider myself a horrible failure, but you know, that’s what therapy is for.

Sable Verity