short-story – Spicy…

Come on now…is she really Gen Z — the generation that selfishly makes its way through the world? The generation that protests against voting; that has no respect for Civil Rights History tactics? Yep. She’s only 23 years old. However, she’s employed by the activist org., Project Say Something (PSS), and she works beyond her duties and from her soul. What?!

So, here we are at Taziki’s, where the restaurant is holding a fundraiser for PSS. Yes, the Founder, of PSS, Camille Bennett, and her mama (me) are there, but it’s Kierra working the door; it’s Kierra who constructed this huge sign; it’s Kierra who has a smile (Wait… Gen Zs don’t smile!) and welcomes every customer with a nonpartisan Voter Guide, and it has been Kierra who has posted daily videos, teaching us about our votes and what they mean to our individual good. She was at Taziki’s until 9:30PM and drove back to Birmingham from Florence, AL! What?! She’s here… she’s there…she’s everywhere, but beyond her job, Kierra is an activist to the bone.

“I live in a Black neighborhood…we have each other’s backs.” She believes in who she is and holds no limitations for who Blacks folks are as a people. She studies history wth Bennett, and remains steadfast in supporting Bennett as they go lobby at the Statehouse in Montgomery, AL. She also leads a brigade of young folks into the political activism process.

I can’t understand how she finds time to do what she does. She’s in law school! She works with young folks (What’s the generation after Zs…I get confused), teaching them to learn about the political process and encouraging them to study. And there she was with a foghorn protesting in a rainy Birmingham, AL, against racial injustice and for change.

Three individuals engaging in a conversation inside a brightly lit establishment, exchanging flyers or promotional materials near a door with exit signs.

Big example below:

BLACK YOUTH ARE THE MOVEMENT (Spearheaded by Kierra Burks for Project Say Something

“Hey guys! I’m trying to survey Black young folks in the South. Oftentimes I am the only young person in the room and often the youngest person there as well. Not only that, but I am one a few Black people. A lot of funding and support do not aim to support Black voices. Sometimes we are labeled as too radical, or we are simply not the target they hope to mobilize. I’m sick of it so I’m launching my own research so I can show what young Black people need and what issues we care about. ”

Two women smiling for a selfie at an event, with a banner in the background promoting engagement and activism. — **Kierra Burks and** **Founder of PSS, Camille Bennett**

Y’all, I know this is not the full profile she deserves, but in this issue of Garden Spices Magazine, November 4th, our topic is Offer(ing). And I had to give this shout-out to Kierra Burks

Kierra, thank you for your offerings—your diligence, strength, and courage. PSS is happy to have you, and the world is blessed to experience your resolve.

Joy Juice

We Baby Boomers have paved the course for future generations, fighting racism and gaining Civil Rights. It really feels good when youngins show respect and give us credit for our accomplishments. Kierra and Project Say Something acknowledge the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We are aware of mistakes we made, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see progressive youths shift social awareness and move us forward. Here’s the thing. We gotta get out of the way for mindful youths to make their strides. (Emphasis on mindful).

The spotlight continues to shine on Kierra Burks with Project Say Something.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17

“All tremble at violence; life is dear to all. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.”Dhammapada Verses 129–130

“It’s all good/love/God” – Victorine