Clear Vision
In January 1998, I entered my Junior High School and was greeted by a marquee that should’ve said “Smile Bigger” but instead had been changed to read “Smile N****r.”
That day I realized that life would look a little different for me. I would face people that wouldn’t like me just because of the complexion of my skin. It was then that I decided I would go out of my way to get to know someone that looks different than me. I would choose love and respect despite of our differences. You could say, that first incident of overt racism manifested my life’s purpose of taking care of and serving others, because I never wanted anyone to feel the pain and shame that I felt that day and numerous occasions after that. I opened my eyes and heart to want to do and be better than my experiences while never forgetting those same experiences in order to remain humble and grounded! On that day...my vision cleared!
As we entered 2020, many expressed that this year would be the year of new beginnings, a clear(er) vision. Even I proclaimed that “2020 is my year.” What we didn’t know was exactly how that vision would manifest itself within our families, our country and world, and even within our military community. While most people strive to attain 20/20 or better vision, this year has been a year many of us could not have seen coming. For many of us, our vision has become fogged due to the global pandemic that has taken the world by storm. Not only that, the killings of unarmed black men and women that caused a worldwide stance and protest for equality. At the same time, a report written in 2017 by Protect Our Defenders, highlighting the racial inequality in our military justice system that so many have been experiencing. We have also been quarantined/isolated, have created a “new norm” of teleworking as much as possible while remaining socially connected but physically distant. All with the expectation to continue to move a mission and do what our country and leaders require of us. During this time, we have been asked to continue to lead our Airmen during such a turbulence. So I have to ask...has your vision cleared in 2020?
For me, healing and a clearer vision comes through conversation, so like I’ve done since I was a little girl, I am talking! Through the good, the bad, the ugly, the tears, heartache, and pain, I am talking, but most importantly, I am listening to our Airmen! It is amazing what you can find out from those that sit to your left and right, if you just take the time to get to know one another. As you read this, I hope you know and understand that our Airmen are hurting, they are nervous, they are uncertain, they are angry, and they want to express themselves. It is imperative that we get really comfortable with the uncomfortable, so that as Airmen, together, we can grow. Maya Angelou once said “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Those that know me, know I love this uniform we wear, however, my entire career, I have led by not caring about the uniform itself, but rather the person wearing the uniform. I am more interested in knowing who YOU are, because if I can get to the human being behind the uniform, I can get more from the Airmen. I know in the end these conversations are the recipe for growing more understanding leaders, building better “A”irmen and providing safe places in our formations. Rub your eyes and open your heart…blurred vision clearing.
This vision clearing has been necessary for a long time. It is imperative that we identify one another’s blind spots, educate each other, and truly be there for one another...in efforts of being the family that we say we are by wearing “U.S. Air Force” over our hearts! At the end of the day, we all have our own “truths” that make us who we are today! Share your truths with one another because speaking from experience, healing comes from being able to be authentically and unapologetically who you are! Regardless of rank, we all lead, rather in our professional or personal lives, so we cannot be afraid to wipe the fog from our lenses in order to be able to help clear our vision! As human beings and “A”irmen in the world’s greatest Air Force and people in our society, we will be better for it! It is truly time to be the change you hope to see in the world! So wipe your eyes, remove the fog from your lenses, open your hearts and grow your minds...I assure you, if you can do that...your vision will be clear in 2020 and for years to come!
Editor's Note: Latisha Bright is a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and Senior Enlisted Leader in the United States Air Force. She is currently responsible for the health, morale, welfare, career progression, professional development, and readiness to over 260 Airmen.