Listen to my interview on the "Blockhead" podcast- With Ray Billingsley of the "Curtis" comic strip

You can hear my interview on Episode 44 right here.

I’m still in shock over appearing on my favorite podcast, “Blockhead,” hosted by Geoff Grogan. I was asked to discuss race relations and police brutality with my cartooning hero, Ray Billingsley, creator of the phenomenal syndicated comic strip “Curtis.” I’ve communicated with Ray over the years in letters and messages over Facebook but never talked with him in person. This interview was a dream come true!

We had a fantastic time together talking about our experiences as Black cartoonists, our run-ins with the cops, and what it’s like creating comics during these challenging times. Geoff spoke with us for over two hours and kept all the “good stuff” in the episode.

You can listen to Episode 44 directly on his webpage here:

https://geoffgrogan.com/blockhead/

If you have Apple Podcasts you can listen here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ray-billingsley-and-khalid-birdsong/id1440223132?i=1000477950131

When You're Tired and Hopeless

Here’s what you can do

I’m overwhelmed with emotions. In the middle of this pandemic, dealing with the killing of African-Americans like George Floyd and the protests surrounding it have me feeling exhausted. Hopeless.

Will the killing of my people ever end? It’s hard to admit that I don’t think so. Every year around this time, summer, we have black people getting killed and it’s gone on for years. Far before social media or even the local news covered any of this. I feel like the killing of black people is just a part of American life and always will be. I have to find ways to handle my anger.

Tanuki may be a raccoon but I think he’s onto something. Keeping your anger and frustration locked up inside could damage you more in the long run than letting it out now. Of course, I can’t endorse breaking plates — or breaking anything for that matter — but talking with friends and family about how you’re feeling right now is an excellent start.

Exercise is a beautiful way to lift the world off your shoulders. I highly recommend running or walking. If you can join protests and feel safe to do so, go out and walk with others to support your cause.

If protesting is not for you, donate to organizations online, make signs for friends who are going out to march, or even call and check up on your loved ones. They might need to vent or benefit from someone showing care for their situation.

It’s okay to be angry, afraid, and frustrated at this time. Find positive ways to release your stress and help others deal with theirs.

We’re all in this together