KANOA, the freed one.

"We're More Alike Than We Are Different" is poem, requiem, and spoken word piece commemorating the life and murder of Sonya Massey. This piece offers analysis that challenges our understanding of separation, pointing instead to an insidious and odious threat to our humanity - caste. In zooming in, I reveal the realities of my experience. In zooming out, universal themes of anger, fear, love, and hope arise. The macro reflects the micro. It is my hope that sharing these truths will serve as a model for zoomed in self analysis, reflection and healing.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - MLK • In August, @mana_maoli @kakoo_haleakala put out the call for songs to honor and uplift Maui wildfire survivors #Mele4Maui . As many of you have used your platforms to advocate for #blm in 2020 and beyond, I knew I wanted to participate and thought to follow suit, amplifying their voices and showing solidarity here. 🙏🏽♥️✊🏽 I wrote this song at the beginning of September, and have done my best to feature the many voices, videos, images, and articles I’ve learned and am continuing to learn from on #instagram . As an ADOS (American Descendant of Slavery) I am not privy to, nor can I claim to fully understand how Hawaii’s rich and complex history, inner workings and political dynamics are impacting what’s happening “on the ground”. I have, however, become increasingly aware of the gap between the people’s articulation of their needs and concerns and the Hawaiian state government’s actions and prioritization, the numerous injustices that have occurred, as well as those that continue on the islands today. To say the least, it is concerning. Some might say “insensitive” or “unethical”. Others, “criminal”. What’s happening in West Maui is important and exists as a microcosm of a much larger global issue. While decisions involving large populations are always complex, our next steps are incredibly important. So are Maui’s people. The world is watching. Who are we, as a country, choosing to be? • Tried to keep individual’s handles in the video for y’all to check them out. They are tagged on my instagram post too @alexisjeanene s/o to @haehawaiimovement for my dope shirt! They’re also donating 100% of proceeds for a few items, including this one, to Maui wildfire relief. #youdabest • Thanks for listening, watching, and getting to the bottom of this 😬 Sending #love , light, prayers, and peace. ♥️🙏🏽🦋 #gratitude #ubuntu • PS: in process of monetizing the YouTube video. All proceeds will go to @mauirapidresponse . Donate to families directly @helpmauirise www.helpmauirise.com • “We all place ourselves in danger to one degree or another when we stand up. But we place our children and grandchildren in greater danger when we don’t.” -unknown • • • To Governor Josh Green and the Hawaiian State Government: I encountered system errors while trying to sign and comment on the petition. I have articulated my sentiments below instead. As a citizen of the United States and a student of history, I understand that the power of government comes from its people. In the wake of these catastrophic firesI have become increasingly aware of the gap between the people’s articulation of their needs/concerns and the Hawaiian state government’s actions and prioritization, the numerous injustices that have occurred, as well as those that continue on the islands. At the very least, I find this concerning. If we zoom out, it is clear that the current global political landscape is literally and figuratively on fire. Many of its people are suffering, and because their cries have been consistently ignored, the ground is beginning to shake. Light aflame. Look at Africa. Look at Lahaina. I am reading. I am listening. From my understanding, the petition to push back the October 8th reopening is specific to West Maui, not Maui in its entirety. The plea to delay appears to be a collective one with over 7,000 signatures; and, in my humble opinion, does not seem unreasonable. West Maui’s people are asking to be heard and considered.They are asking, in the midst of devastation and tragedy, for support. For compassion. They are asking for our humanity. To re-open all of Maui on the two month anniversary of the #mauifire is... I have no words. As you are likely aware, what’s happening in West Maui is a microcosm of a much larger global issue. While decisions involving large populations are always complex, the days and months to come are incredibly important. The world is watching. They are watching us. If we cannot hear the voices of West Maui’s people, if we cannot stand for them, then, I ask you, who have we become? With a heart full of love, light, and gratitude, I remain, Alexis Sims • “We all place ourselves in danger to one degree or another when we stand up. But we place our children and grandchildren in greater danger when we don't." -unknown

There’s joy + there’s pain There’s storms + there’s rain + then comes the sun Then comes the sun And the flowers that bloom They need rain sunlight too Oh, the night comes in fast But the dark has its stars then comes the sun Then comes the sun Whether hidden or not It keeps shining lights up the moon My heart knows it’ll be over soon There’s the sun Then comes the sun There’s winter There’s spring There’s the birth of new things Cause there’s the sun There goes the sun And the flowers that bloom They need rain sunlight too Oh, the night comes it fast But the dark has the moon Then comes the sun There comes the sun Whether hidden or not It keeps shining its light Oh the sun in my heart Knows the dark will be over soon Then comes the sun Keep on going Keep swimming Keep on tryin You can win Here comes the sun Then comes the sun And the flowers that bloom They need storms sunlight too Oh the night it comes fast it’s got stars + the moon There comes the sun Then comes the sun Whether hidden or not It keeps shining lights up the moon The sun in my heart knows day’s breaking soon There’s the sun Cause then comes the sun There’s the sun. music: "I luv u", @theoptimist.prod

Last year this time I was writing a ton and exploring things that fill my cup. This year, in being forced to slow down, I’m able to turn inward again. • Been prioritizing peace and #followthejoy - finding new things I love, and picking up where I left off before. Uncovering things that were hidden within - how perfectionism and shame = two sides of the same coin. Learning how to forgive when I fall short, how to trust and surrender; let closed doors be closed. • I’m incredibly #grateful for it all. I feel stronger, more at ease, more at peace, more myself. Accepting life’s challenges, and celebrating my “wins”, ex. I’ve never been able to do push ups before and now I can do them on one leg! 🤩💪🏽🥰 • Between reading the 15 books I ordered (what was I thinking?) and being a person, I’ve been playing around with multimedia and storytelling. Didn’t know if I would share this one, but it feels important to so here we are. #growthbelike Thanks for reading, watching, listening, and holding space for me to share. With a heart full of love, light, and gratitude, I remain, 🌀🙏🏽🤍🪘✨🦋 • “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu • I am I. You are you. We’re all weird. #beyoutiful • Black. human. Divergent. different. Mind. aware. Love. ♥️. • #justkeepswimming #itgetsbetter #yougotthis #love