When it comes to other human beings, I tend to be a fairly intrepid person because the only being that I "fear" is God. Even then, I'd rather say that I revere God instead of fearing Him because fear and faith cannot coexist. However, I will say that I am realistically cautious of certain people. If you let many conservative politicians and talking heads have their say, then everyone should fear Black people more because we make up only 13 percent of the population while committing a significant amount of the violent crimes. If you let current media propaganda lead the way, then Black people should be more worried about being beaten or killed by law enforcement officers in lieu of suffering at the hands of another Black person. As a 36-year-old Black man who has survived the ominous elements of the infamous "Murder Cap" era of Washington, D.C. and the "Mighty" Ward Eight, I've been confronted with the reality of both. So if I were to be "realistically cautious" of anyone threatening my life, then who would it be: other Black people or the police? Welp, let's talk about it...
Although Black people have constantly burdened the brunt of racism and discrimination since being brought to the Americas against our will, it feels like it's been open season on Black people since the death of Trayvon Martin in February of 2012. However, since last week's senseless murders of 37-year-old Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and 34-year-old Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota by police officers, there appears to be an uprising in the making because Black folk just aren't having it anymore. The pain of constantly being reminded that our lives don't matter has stirred up the need for urgent solidarity among our people to send messages to the establishment that we are no longer just marching or protesting, although none of that will cease or desist until justice is achieved. The problem is that while some of us are heeding to the "all aboard" call, there are many in our own ranks and outside who are either inadvertently or purposely subverting the spirit of the movement and the efforts of those trying to make progress for our people. Chalk it up to disingenuous behavior, apathy, confusion, distraction, ego, cynicism, ignorance or flat-out negativity, but either way, the attitude is simple: either get down or, like Jesse Williams insisted in his 2016 BET Awards speech, "sit down". Hence, this series is dedicated to helping folks identify whether they truly care about justice and the advancement of Black people or if they're just in the way...
