I’ve been struggling to stay strong for the past couple of days as I learned of tragic passing of my one of my baby cousins. Da’ja just celebrated her 28th birthday days before being violently murdered by one of her baby fathers. She leaves behind 5 very young children, 2 infants and 3 school age children (All girls and 1 infant boy).
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was a victim of poverty, structural racism, and domestic violence.
I am not ok.
I chose to post this publicly on my business page to raise awareness about the trauma of my people, domestic violence, and protecting black women.
Black women are the most disrespected, neglected, and vulnerable women in the world. Our life stories are tragic and everyone expects us to be strong, fierce, independent, financial stable, and sexy.
We have to live up to the unrealistic standards of the world while dealing with racial trauma, generational trauma, and economic disadvantages.
We need new constructive conversations around the culture of poverty, trauma, and domestic violence. We suffer in silence.
We have started a gofundme campaign to cover expenses for my extended family as Da’ja did not have life insurance. If you are looking to support a family in need, please contribute to our campaign : Da’Ja Davis Gofund.Me
Sunsum was started from a place of pain and during a global pandemic, and sadly there is new pain in my life, more loss. I want to end these generational curses.
I want to heal. I want to share the joy of life, the natural world, art and style, because the reality of my world and my people is much darker and sad. I do believe her passing will not be in vain, and with the power of my ancestors and slain family members, I will turn this pain and loss into power through the brand. I hope to end the generational curses placed upon me and my family someday. But today, I’m tired. We are tired. Today, I’m not that strong.
Death ☠️ can not be the only way we can find peace.
I’m sick of all the violence against black people and particularly black women which bombards us in the news. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m hurting. I’m not filling orders today.