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I work up at 7:11 AM this morning with a slew of text messages in my inbox. While, under less hateful (I use this word specifically) circumstances, I would be thrilled. But this morning, when I work up and saw the flashing number, I was terrified. After reading about the Noose hung in the UCSD Geisel Library, I am terrified.

As I see all this amazing mobilization, I am floored with pride and humbled. I see beautiful brothers and sisters coming together and screaming for change. Safety that was long promised and never delivered. People who now see the danger where we once convinced to believe we were safe.

Within this fervent protesting, we are developing an internal discourse of hate. I know our communities are capable of greater love, but this is the first reaction. I see this militant organizing, diligently preparing ourselves for arrest in this police state-- but under all this anger is fear. Vulnerable and exposed, we are afraid for the lives of those around us. Possibly ourselves.

First. Turn what love we have left to those around us who are hurt. Exhort them in love. It's going to take a lot. Show concern for those in our community who may be tired, burning out, hungry. If we are not healthy and whole, our fight will die out.

Next, we have to extend this love to the white folks and the people of color who refuse to see this blatant racism and danger. We must learn how to effective communicate the truth-- that this is not a post-racial state.

I propose that while we make demands, we also look at our own tactics with a critical eye. This is not the first time that we've seen the administration turn its back, or the first time that ignorant or hateful students have planned events against us. It is not the first time that the noose has been used as a symbol of mass hate. Jena Six. Familiar?

We must develop ways to communicate. Learn to defend ourselves. Cloak ourselves in love.