Author’s Note

When I think about my time offline, I think about all the events that didn’t transpire until years later. Twitter wasn’t X. Donald Trump wasn’t in my consciousness. Neither were, I’m sorry to say, the relentless struggles of other minorities in America. I was still blind to the systemic racism that has been brought into public discourse today.

I wrote this journal in 2013. I wasn’t as politically aware as I am now. I’m still learning, of course, but I was more ignorant of the ways in which the system stomps on other marginalized Americans. In 2013, there was no COVID. I didn’t know the frequency of race-based police killings.

I’m telling you this so you can understand why this journal may seem dated in places. I wasn’t aware of a lot of things, and my ignorance led me to perpetuate an oppressive system. It helped racism flourish during that time. I didn’t address social justice in this journal apart from my own blindness. I’ve since worked to expand my knowledge and listen more to racially marginalized writers’ stories.

This was the first book I wrote, so it will always hold a place in my heart as the beginning of my writing journey. I’ve created a lot of things since then. My hope is that after you read this snapshot in time you’ll decide to join me as we learn and grow together.

Robert Kingett