It’s not a department that the federal government is in control of. It’s a way of life, a philosophy ingrained into our actions, behaviors and everyday lives. We practice DEI with no need of governance or directive. It is us and we are it.

People of color are here to stay.

Results of the 2020 Census, prove those with brown skin tone are the majority of citizens in the United States of America. I recall vividly, learning this news when our then 25-year-old son, came to visit and announced it as a major victory for all of us. Brown people are finally winning the majority. We all rejoiced!

Our original citizens, the Native American peoples, may one day live to reclaim their land, animals and way of protecting our earth from the blundering fools who deplete it for their own financial gain, especially at the rate we’re going. I wish them luck and love. The people, not the government. Thanks to the Sesame Street puppets for continuing to bang the drum on climate crisis. Consider donating to PBS to keep Bert, Ernie and Elmo alive!

Black Americans are the backbone of this country. They built the big White House, now being used as a castle for a giant toddler that thinks he’s a king. They built it for free. Not for profit. Under threat of death and starvation and a whip at their backs. There is no going back from here. We’re too far forward to be strangled by a racist regime that seeks to recreate this country in their image. White men dressed in “boxy American suits” and women sitting by the window, our braids hanging down beneath our bonnets, needlepoint in hand. Just one vision of Project 2025. Spare me, please.

The current president wants to erase Harriet Tubman from a website. Nobody can erase Harriet, silly. Once it’s on the internet, it’s here forever. The Tuskegee Airmen were real and their history is still discussed and revered. MLK Jr. cannot be erased for most of us have ingested his teachings and look to him as the hero he was and always will remain. We will teach our kids and grandchildren if schools will not. A president and all his minions cannot erase him or any other American hero of color.

As we watch this Hitler-like lead up to an oligarchy, we should be very mindful of those around us that may need our help.

If 20 vehicles can surround a home in nearby Springfield and grab people, keep your eyes open, ask the city or town you live in, “what is the plan when ICE comes here?” I’ve asked our city officials as well as our chief of police. So far, no answers are forthcoming. I’m quite sure a plan is in place. I will not stand quietly by if our Haitian families are swept up like stray dogs nor any other immigrant without a criminal record. They belong here and have rights as asylum seekers. They didn’t come for a vacation, they came for safety, food, jobs, a life they can be proud of. If immigrants are not safe, we are not safe either.

Remember Joe Biden’s words in his farewell speech. He addressed our service men and women by reminding them to “remember their oath to defend the Constitution.” In one sweep of an executive order, the president can declare peaceful protesters be arrested and detained and charged as terrorists.

I’ll be on a corner somewhere, with many others, holding my sign, flashing the peace sign to drivers, enjoying the company of other caring souls, sharing the spirit of community and banging my pot at 6 p.m., for three minutes every evening until this president is gone. Please consider banging a pot with a spoon. When you hear that first response bang, you may feel it’s going to be OK. If only for 3 minutes.

Currently I’m on the corner of Rt. 116 and Sugarloaf at 3 p.m. on Fridays. I’d love to see you there.

Ellen Villani lives in Greenfield.