The Cost of Immigration

It seems as if America is trying to make up for the abandonment of the values and principles for which it stands. The treatment of immigrants seeking asylum from countries such as Haiti and Central America has been deplorable. Separation of children from their families, using horses and lassos to gather people and keeping them from entering the US are just some of the issues surrounding the border crisis that have left us wondering if there is a better way to rectify the issues regarding US immigration policy. 

The Biden Administration is now discussing payments of $450,000 per person to immigrant families who were separated at the southern border during the Trump Administration. This could become very problematic, leading to countless questions; questions not even the current Administration can answer. Why are the payments to the families so large? Why is this the only solution? Are there any other alternatives? Is there no other form of support? What about everyone else? There are past atrocities yet to be resolved in its entirety.

The half a million-price tag discussion comes as the result of various lawsuits filed due to the physical and emotional trauma of separating children and their families. This solution sends several messages. America does not care about those who have immigrated legally and work in this country. Given that our economy has not fully recovered from the pandemic, inflation in gas prices, supply chain shortages, and millions still struggling financially, the message is clear; That America does not take care of its own. That message alone will not serve the current administration well, especially considering Trump will likely run again in 2024.

To me it is noticeably clear that they are attempting to take some course of action to rectify the mistakes of the Trump Administration. While I applaud the merits of the government attempting to make atonement for the ill treatment of illegal immigrants, but as an African American woman who lives in a country that is primarily comprised of immigrants, it leaves me begging to ask, what about the atrocities of the past; of those who were enslaved, brought to America, and built this country with their hands? What about the trauma that has lasted hundreds of years where the remnants of that trauma can still be seen today? There are just too many questions with no answers whatsoever.

President Biden has not had much to say regarding these payments, dodging the question, “Is it true we’re going to give $450,000 to border crossers who are separated?” by turning away and ignoring the question when asked directly. Honestly, I can’t blame him for turning his head… because how do you justify to the American people such large payments? How does he justify supporting reparations for African Americans yet still extraordinarily little headway has been made?

Once again, we need the United States to just be better. We need the Biden Administration to do something that would be beneficial for the immigrants coming into the US; better policies and infrastructure so there are no issues with processing individuals and families. Find additional ways to support those coming in while they go through the process and if monetary compensation is needed, then is should be within reason. The Administration needs to address their support of reparations as he once stated during his campaign for presidency. US citizens deserve full transparency and unfortunately, we will not get it… wondering what the full cost of immigration is.

Similar Read: The Myth of the Line: The Dog Whistle in the Immigration Debate

My Thoughts on Ma’Khia Bryant’s Death

While seemingly gaining a small step in the right direction for America with the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial, another African American gets shot by the police. Her name was Ma’Khia Bryant.

Officers are sworn to protect and serve, but often they show up, shoot, and another person dies. The officer’s bodycam shows that there only seemed to be mere seconds to make a decision when he sees what appears to be a knife in one girl’s hand attempting to stab another person. It was in those seconds that the officer had to make a decision. I find myself asking a myriad of questions: was firing 4 shots at Ma’Khia necessary? Was the gun the only solution or would a taser have sufficed? Would the response have been different if it were two White girls fighting? And lastly, I find myself asking a rather disturbing question… Who is to blame?  

Undoubtedly the police officer firing the 4 shots that claimed her life is the one who is at fault, yet I can’t seem to digest the fact that perhaps her death could have been prevented that day… before the police arrived. 

The bodycam not only shows her final moments, but also other adults who were present and filming the fight as it was taking place. The video shows others filming the altercation and others cheering. Not one of them decided to intervene and it puzzles me as to why? When the arguing started, not one person stepped in. When it continued, no one stepped in. When the knife appears, no one stepped in. Instead, they reached for their cell phones. I cannot shake this disturbing fact that our society has become accustomed to doing nothing. We’d rather record these altercations and upload them for pure entertainment… all for just another “World Star” moment.  

Capturing these abominable acts for entertainment is not too far removed from the lynching photography in the 1800s where photos of those lynched would be turned into souvenirs for those in attendance.  All of this, in mockery of a life.  

A girl lost her life yesterday and albeit harsh, I blame everyone in her community, not just the officer. I blame those adults who were filming for enjoyment. I blame the adults who seemingly cheered on the fight. I blame the adults for purposefully not intervening. The community failed her.   

It isn’t until they are willing to acknowledge the inherent racism that is deep within their system that change can happen. Racism and the lack of trust between Black Americans and the police has to change. Accountability and reform need to happen. While the conviction of Derek Chauvin seemingly proved we were embarking on a path, the correct path, the death of Ma’Khia Bryant alongside others killed by police proves we have barely begun to scratch the surface of change in America.  

America has to heal. We have to do better… we must do better.

Similar read: The Significance of Derek Chauvin’s Verdict

The Significance of Derek Chauvin’s Verdict

Guilty. The one word that signified the end of a three-week trial. The trial of Derek Chauvin on the murder of George Floyd is one that encompasses the remnants of 401 years of inhumane treatment of Black lives in America. George Floyd’s death is reminiscent of that of Emmett Till; galvanizing a new generation of Civil Rights activists to open the eyes of the world to say yes, Black Lives Matter. That we are people too, but more than anything else, we are human. 

This verdict did not come without some angst or doubt that a sliver of justice would be served.  In the cases, of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, and Eric Garner, where was the justice? It has been the Black experience that our lives remain insignificant to that of our counterparts in the eye of the police. 

As we collectively breathe a sigh of relief now that we have a verdict, I cannot help but recognize that this euphoric feeling is only temporary. The verdict leaves me to beg the question, what happens next? What happens to the other officers involved? How will they be held accountable? Would there be new policies to include accountability among fellow officers? How will this change the way policing is done? For a system where ideologies of White Supremacy and racism are inherent, these changes needed to happen yesterday.  

Police Training…

This verdict sets the tone for America to reevaluate policing. It would be wise to consider looking at the training of police forces in other countries, which results in fewer police shootings and murders. We say we need more training, yet it seems the issue is not the frequency, but the length of time, quality, and substance of the information given during training. Too many people of color have been victimized due to those inherent values, mediocre quality in training, and the lack of interest and investment in continual support of the mental health (other than passing a psychological exam) of police officers. It is apparent that the policies and training are far beyond inadequate and lacking.

There is so much work to be done, and it requires all of us to work together to bring about effective change. The only way to move is forward, all of us, together.

George Floyd’s death and the trial of Derek Chauvin will serve as a milestone in how far we have come as African-Americans. The verdict has a special place in our history’s timeline. Just as Emmet Till’s death sparked the Civil Rights Movement, George Floyd’s death is launching a new wave of activists; leading a new era when it comes to justice: accountability. We are nowhere near true justice, but the will and desire to seek and achieve it has become the goal.

This case will forever signify one simple truth that we all know; that we are people; that we are human, but most of all: BLACK LIVES MATTER

Similar Read: Chauvin Verdict

History Made in Georgia

Last year, the United States descended into pure chaos. Systemic racism was thriving and it resulted in several untimely deaths. All the while, we were ill-equipped to handle the pandemic that seized the world due to inadequate leadership. So many civil uprisings, rallies, and rioting for change that was long overdue. Now, after the election in November 2021 is looking to be the start of that change.

When Biden and Harris won the election, I sighed with relief. While they might not be my number one pick for president and vice president, I think that they can get the ball rolling for the United States to improve for all of its people.

For some states it was time to elect new Senators, Georgia being one. What is so significant about Georgia is that it is a traditionally red state. It has been for a long time. And yet, for this election, Georgia flipped to blue, directly resulting in the White House, the Senate, and the House being blue.

The two new Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, are not originally politicians. Ossoff was an investigative journalist and documentary film producer and Warnock a senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. I believe that the more non-political people we elect into positions of power, the more likely legislature will be passed for all people due to the diversification of personal, academic, and professional experiences of the people in power.

Warnock is the first Black Senator of Georgia, and this can only mean great things moving forward for communities of color. He might be the catalyst for even more people of color obtaining positions in state and federal governments. While I’m not from Georgia nor do I live in Georgia, I am excited to see what Warnock will help make happen to address the racism that has been running rampant.

However, I think the short term implications are worth considering. With the diversification of the government, it has exacerbated the tyranny of President Trump and the radical actions of ‘the proud boys’.

On January 6th, an armed mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in retaliation to the federal government turning blue. This was an act of domestic terrorism and yet President Trump did nothing to get the mob to leave. He did nothing to ensure the sanctity of the White House. All he did was condone their actions and allow them the privilege of destroying government property. The only thing on my mind as I watched this on the news is how if this mob was predominantly people of color, they would be shot before they even made it to the lawn.

I saw on the news a few days later that the mob planned to attack not only the U.S. Capitol again, but also all fifty capitols in the United States. CNN also said that if President Trump was impeached before the inauguration on January 20th, they will attack. Of course, there were death threats towards Biden, Harris, and House representative Pelosi.

I don’t know if these threats are still a concern, especially now that the House has impeached President Trump for the second time. Yes, beautiful progress is being made, but I worry about whether there will be a safe transition of power, and about whether President Trump and his ‘proud boys’ will be held accountable for their transgressions.

Similar Read: You Didn’t Vote for Biden, You Voted Against Trump

The Gospel According to The Jeffersons – The Power of Your Voice

Writer Norman Lear created some awesome classics: “Good Times”, “Maude”, “One Day at A Time”, and more. But today, let’s focus on a particular show, “The Jeffersons.” The Jeffersons, a middle-class family based in New York, included George Jeffersons (Sherman Hemsley), Louise (Weezy) Jefferson (Isabell Sanford), and Lionel Jefferson (Michael Evans). The Jeffersons were neighbors to the Bunkers.

Norman Lear also created the controversial show “All in the Family” that ran for nine seasons (1971-1979), which was followed with a spin-off months later called “Archies Place” that last until 1983. “All in the Family”, starred Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner; Archie Bunker, his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.

Archie Bunker was a man that we can recognize even more in today’s political climate. Bunker was a racist, prejudice White man that believed the world was his oyster. He constantly argued with his wife and daughter and especially with his son-in-law Michael often called Meathead. But the larger conflict was with his neighbors, the Jeffersons, especially George Jefferson. Norman Lear made sure he addressed issues and forced conversations to take place in the 1970s-1980s that people never would talk about on the air. 

As the show progressed, the Jeffersons move to the 12th floor of a Manhattan, New York 3bd room apartment known as Apt 12D. George Jefferson’s successful cleaners, Jefferson Cleaners, had multiple locations and was doing well… so well that his wife Louise no longer had to be a maid. The Jeffersons met their new neighbors The Willis’: Tom a successful book publisher, and his wife, Helen who came from an influential African-American family. Norman Lear kicked the episode off by addressing the Willis’ interracial marriage, the n-word, and the word honky. They concluded that episode by showing the Willis’ kissing each other which again inevitably forced America to have tough conversations.

Appearances were made by George’s mother, Mrs. Jefferson whose character had a major conflict with daughter-in-law Louise. Mrs. Jeffersons saw no wrong in her son. Even when Louise would rarely agree with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Jefferson would then disagree with her initial stance just to not agree with her. They brought on Florence Johnston (Marla Gibbs) as a part-time maid. The ratings were doing pretty well in the 70s. Zara Cully (Mother Jefferson) was diagnosed with a terminal illness and the cast knew their time with Zara would be short.

After the first season, Michael Evans (Lionel) went back to working on his show that he co-created “Good Times.” At the time, Marla Gibbs was working as a flight attendant at United Airlines while playing a part-time maid as Florence. To replace the void of Mother Jefferson; the producers decided to ask Marla Gibbs if she still worked for the airlines, which she said of course.  Producers said I thought you quit and Marla Gibbs responded, “Why would I, you have not given me a reason to… unless there’s something you want to tell me.” The producer asked her how much was she getting paid to work at United Airlines? Once Gibbs told them her wages from the Airline; they agreed to pay her part-time wage with the show and pay her salary at the airlines. And Gibbs decided to leave the airlines and never regretted it. The show decided to write Florence in as a live-in maid. 

The ratings were on a good path, but CBS decided to move the show multiple times to different time slots. Marla Gibbs said, “If you leave the show in one spot the people can find us.” Well, of course, CBS moving the popular show to different time slots impacted ratings and they dropped significantly. Sherman Hemsley pushed to get Black writers on the show. Norman Lear had done an amazing job creating the show but the writers were becoming out of touch. CBS was in the era of Knots Landing and Hotel & Dallas, and they wanted to silent the Black voice. When “The Jeffersons” hired more Black writers they hit topics like KKK and other important topics again and the show became funnier and the ratings went up to #1. Michael Evans returned to “The Jeffersons” as Lionel. I failed to mention that the second Lionel was played by Damon Evans (no relation to Michael). But Damon had never seen “The Jefferson” before when he got the job.  Damon asked if he could watch some episodes so he can learn and get familiar with Lionel’s character, but he was told by producers to just create your own Lionel. That explains why their characters were completely different. They set Damon up for failure and he never really connected with the cast like Michael did. 

A few things people may not know about The Jeffersons

1. Sherman Hemsley was an introvert and very shy and only opened up for the camera. He also was known as one of the kindest and giving persons. He would even buy lunch to feed other staff that he thought were not fed properly.

2. Isabel Sanford was the main character, not George.  The show was about her life transcending from “All in the Family” to “The Jeffersons.” It is also why her name is first on the credits and she had the most lines

3. Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford did not get along with each other for a long time at the fault of Isabel.

4. Isabel Sanford & Zara Cully (Mother Jefferson) were really close in real life.

5. Ja’net Dubois (aka Willona Woods from Good Times) was not just the singer of The Jeffersons Theme song “Moving on Up”, but she was also the co-composer of the song with Jeff Barry.

6. The Jeffersons was on for 11 Seasons from 1975-1985. It is the 2nd longest-running African-American after Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The Jeffersons was canceled with no big send-off like MASH. One of the most popular and groundbreaking shows during that era was literally just canceled. They were never notified properly. They found out the show was canceled by reading it in the newspaper.

The Power of Our Voice

For years CBS tried to control the voice of the Black Voice of “The Jeffersons”. The cast, along with Norman Lear and Sherman Hemsley, fought to have a voice and ratings only peaked when they had their own voice. 

The power of Oprah Winfrey was proven when she bought Harpo Studio in Chicago. It’s one thing to have your own show, but it’s another to own the studio where you do your own show. The latter translates into major control over what you have and the power of your own voice. 

If we own the studio we own you is the ideology and reality for many of our Black creatives and producers. The real fear was that if Oprah owned her own studio then one day she may own her own Network. Many years later, Tyler Perry was able to use his voice on a larger platform in a similar fashion. Although he doesn’t have his own Network, he owns his own studio; therefore, he controls the narrative of his work and has power over his voice.

Four years before The Jeffersons ended, Isabel Sanford became the second Black actress to win a Primetime Emmy Award and the first to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. After The Jeffersons ended, she played many roles on African-American shows such as “Living Single” & “The Fresh Prince”. Marla Gibbs starred in 227 and went on to play in many others roles on TV shows and movies. Sherman Hemsley starred in the TV show Amen and also played in many other roles, such as Martin & The Fresh Prince.

Most of the main cast has passed away with exception of Marla Gibbs and Berlinda Tolbert (Jenny Willis Jefferson). Sherman Hemsley, who helped so many people that took advantage of him, died alone in his modest home in El Palso, Texas in 2012 worth only $50,000. Nonetheless, TV history shows us that despite being disgracefully canceled, “The Jeffersons” voice and perspective created a bridge that made “The Cosby Show” possible in 1984. And the success of “The Cosby Show paved the way for “A Different World”, “Martin”, “Living Single”, “The Fresh Prince”, and so on. Wealthy African-American families dealing with and addressing real issues that impact them daily was much needed on the big screen during that time.

I am sure you are curious… what in the world is the point or the connection? The network gave “The Jeffersons” a chance because of Norman Lear, but as it succeeded CBS tried to muzzle and control their voice. However, because the cast fought for their voice there were many successful TV African-American family shows to follow. In 2020, the White House, Justice Department, US Congress, Supreme Court, state and local politicians alike, are doing everything in their power to muzzle and control our voices. Your VOTE is your voice. Just like “The Jeffersons”, if you have a voice it will speak for generations and open a bridge for others to follow in your footsteps. Do not let anyone steal, stop, or muzzle your voice. Control your narrative.

2020 Election… A Vote for Humanity

[New Contributor]

With nearly 100 million people casting their votes early, this 2020 election has not only become a free for all for our democracy, but a fight for our humanity.  2020 has been, without a doubt, a complete shit show.  

Our President’s lack of preparation and response to COVID-19, his response to the ongoing systemic racism highlighted by the shootings of unarmed Black men and women by police, his slow refusal to denounce White Supremacists, and his personal attacks on members of Congress, the media and other individuals, has sent Americans further down the proverbial rabbit hole desperate for a way out from when we entered back in 2017.

The protests from his 2017 inauguration should have been an indication that our nation was going to be in for one hell of a term. If you weren’t convinced during his 2016 presidential campaign that maybe just maybe he was not the man for the job, Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma made that clear. It was evident by the slow response of the government during this time of crisis that our now President simply did not care; no empathy. How would you feel if a hurricane literally took away everything you had in seconds? I doubt you’d find comfort from our Commander in Chief, tossing you paper towels as a way to help alleviate the pain and suffering that you’d be experiencing.

His constant lies and disregard for basic human compassion leaves us to question: What kind of person is running our country?  

A 74-year-old man who never discovered that path to maturity and has remained an egocentric megalomaniac; a man that lives at the intersection of self-centeredness and limited judgment. A racist.

Racial tensions in this country have been felt for more than 400 years. Despite attempts to be subtle by our counterparts (White people… you’re not), we can see that shit plain as day. The death of George Floyd served as the tipping point for everyone.   The deep-seated pain of the past 400 years erupted overnight across America plunging us back in history as if were the 1960s. So what happens when the president exacerbates the racial tensions arising from the deaths of several unarmed Black men and women by police? We have the perfect recipe to incite a race war.   

Further down the rabbit hole we go. Here is where dissension among friends and family happen. Discord and dissension breed mistrust and where there is mistrust among people, there lies division. We cannot afford division. I have faith that as a nation, we care enough collectively to help impact change.

I have faith that this nation collectively gives a damn enough to impart change. Joe Biden is now President-Elect, and all of humanity depends on his presidency.

Similar Read: Should Biden’s VP be a Black Woman?

Black Panther Is Our Solar Eclipse

“The representation of black people in Hollywood, from actors to writers to directors to cameramen, pales in comparison to white representation. However, as when given the right path the Moon can eclipse the Sun, black talent can loom just as large as their white colleagues.” 

Back on August 21, 2017, a lot of folks, mostly white folks, woke up giddy as schoolgirls for what was going to be a very special day. What was all the excitement about? Well for the first time in 100 years the entire contiguous United States would experience a full solar eclipse. [A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and by doing so the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun.] In the words of Jay Z, it’s “lights out ladies” for about two minutes, and then its back to the regularly scheduled program. Millions of people brought special glasses because you can’t look directly into the Sun (cough Donald Trump), thousands traveled hundreds of miles to certain areas in the country to catch a glimpse of the total blockage of the Sun as opposed to a partial blockage – all of that for two minutes of joy. Granted the next eclipse expected to cover the entire US again won’t come until 2024 and then not until 2045, so one can understand why all the activity. And speaking of Trump, isn’t it really embarrassing our idiot president was out there looking at the eclipse holding his hands above his eyes and painfully squinting looking directly at the sun! With his wife beside him with the proper solar eclipse glasses on!

While the buildup for the solar eclipse was taking place, most didn’t understand the hype around it. A lot of black folk didn’t understand why white folk were getting so excited. The excitement should have been across racial lines; but this is America and there’s always a race factor. An eclipse is not only something to experience because of the rarity of the event, but it’s also the amazement that the Moon being 400 times smaller than the Sun can block the Sun and cause a total blackout – even if only for a few moments.

So now for what’s been a trending topic for some time and will continue to be, and no I’m not talking about that terrible rendition of the National Anthem Fergie did during the NBA All-Star game. I’m talking about the release of the movie “Black Panther.” By now you’ve probably read dozens of articles regarding the movie that have quite the range of topics and intent. Most have been lighthearted and fun like comparing “Black Panther” characters to Black Greek organizations, or to the Spike Lee heavy-handed styled articles in which folk are caught in their feelings about moviegoers wearing African garb and not fully knowing their history and purpose of said garb. [Side note, Killmonger would have supposedly pledged my frat, given his Black Panther suit was the flyest outfit in the movie, makes sense.]

For those who have a problem with people wearing African attire to see “Black Panther,” stop it! I can bet dollars to donuts the same people upset about African attire being worn are the same people who only bring that one bag of half-melted ice to the cookout, talks about how overcooked the food is”; yet, walks away with the most plates. So, let’s not mind them.

“Black Panther,” its success, and the celebratory feeling around it got me thinking it was akin to last summer’s eclipse. For months there’s been a buildup of excitement and eagerness for the release of the moviemuch like there was for the solar eclipse. “Black Panther,” with a majority black cast filled with subliminal messages as well overt black issues, has already broken many box office records. The representation of black people in Hollywood, from actors to writers to directors to cameraman, pales in comparison to white people. However, like the Moon, when given the right path, black people can loom just as large as their white colleagues. Like the rarity of a solar eclipse in a specific location around the world, in the United States, the rarity for black people to circle around a positive event is sporadic.

Many Black people did not understand the jubilance around the solar eclipse just like many non-Black people will not understand the excitement our community felt when “Black Panther” was released, not to mention the rush to discuss every scene and cultural nuances in detail. Nuances and issues from the division between Black people in the Americas vs Native Africans, to African nations historically having agendas rooted in rarely wanting to mettle in affairs outside their own borders. Many non-Black people and even some Black people will say, “It’s just a movie, it’s not that serious,” and how can all of that be derived from a movie? This is true, inevitably it’s just a Hollywood movie about fictional characters and a fictional place – only so much should be taken from it. In comparison, a solar eclipse has been documented to have little or no impact over the area it passes. Granted, it’s how one judges impact. Impact doesn’t have to be permanent. Impact is equally about the attention and resonation something gives. A solar eclipse quickly happens, and if not timed right one can easily miss it. The celebratory feel for “Black Panther” will promptly leave as well and some will miss it. It will be up to those who traveled far and away, brought special glasses, and wore event T-shirts and saw the spectacle to tell others what they missed out on and why it’s vital to not miss it again. But as history has shown us with the solar eclipse, it usually takes a while for something that special to happen again.

This article was originally published on 22 February 2018. 

Second Time’s a Charm?

When Kamala Harris made her run for the Democratic Nomination for President, I was very skeptical. I was skeptical and openly questioned her background and her experience as a Prosector.

After she dropped out of the race, I took a step back to look at all the media coverage she received. I was really disappointed with how I handled my scrutiny of her. While it’s absolutely fair to share opinions on a political candidate, I for some reason held her to a higher standard than I did some of the other options. Not because I didn’t want to see her win but because as a Black woman myself, I couldn’t wrap my head around some of her decisions. Kamala was bullied by the media and while that certainly won’t stop now that she’s Biden’s VP pick, I can say with confidence that I will not be a part of the onslaught this time. While I definitely do not agree with some of her decisions in the past, I believe that she is a capable and promising addition to Biden’s campaign. My only hope now is that she be used as an asset and not a pawn. 

Similar Read: The Woman for the Job

Kanye West and the Power of the Black Vote

Kanye West declared his candidacy for president. Then he was no longer running. Now Republican operatives are trying to get him on the ballot in Wisconsin. Yes, Republicans are trying to help Kanye run for President in hopes that he’ll steal enough votes from Biden, which could ultimately help Trump win the state.

It sounds crazy, but it’s true. What’s worse than the actual Republican plan to get Kanye on the ballot? Their belief that Black voters are dumb enough to fall for it. Because that’s really what this boils down to… the power of the Black vote. If Kanye is on the ballot, can Kanye, with the help of Republican strategists, convince enough African-Americans to vote for him instead of Biden? The answer should be no. And whether they think the answer is no as well, they’re desperate and willing to try anything.

If Black voters in Wisconsin, and the rest of the country for that matter, show up to vote for Biden like South Carolinians did in the primaries under James Clyburn’s leadership, then Trump will be a one-term president. Whether or not Black voters are convinced Biden deserves their vote is a worthy question and debate, but considering Kanye is not. Republicans might not admit it, but they fully understand the power of the Black vote, and this latest stunt with Kayne proves it.

Similar Read: Kanye West’s Political Party

Until the Revolution of 1776 is Complete

U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights activist John Lewis passed away last weekend at the age of 80. He famously spoke at the Great March on Washington on August 28, 1963, the youngest of all the speakers that day, before a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people. Despite the agony of walking and standing under the scorching August Washington D.C. Sun, history would be made thanks to the speeches given by greats such as John Lewis, Roy Wilkins, and of course, the famous “I have a dream” speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

In the present tense, we claim to honor those greats by “continuing their legacy,” but that simply isn’t true. 

We are not doing enough. Period. We, meaning we as Americans as a collective, haven’t done enough to ensure the hard work of Congressman Lewis doesn’t have to be done all over again. 2020 has fully exposed our complacency for pushing for needed change in this country. From the handling of the Coronavirus pandemic to the murder of George Floyd, both expose America’s glaring need to no longer ignore systematic ills. Though the systematic ills of America are nothing new to Black people, the “ills” are sometimes not as clear as we may want to think. 

When Congressman Lewis was figurately and literally (he had his skull mashed into by a Police Officer) fighting systematic racism in the 1960s, the obstacles were more direct. Under the protection of “states rights,” states could enact systematic white supremacist measures like Jim Crow laws. The works of the 1960’s Civil Rights movement led to hallmark acts like the Civil Rights Voting Act, Voting Rights Act, and the Housing Rights Act, VISIBLY desegregated America. However, as we most certainly know, the true work resided in the post segregated America. Measures not so direct and noticeable. You do not “see” a doctor neglecting the prenatal needs of a Black woman in favor of a White woman. You do not “see” qualified Black candidates get passed over by their lesser qualified White peers in the same manner you “saw” a young John Lewis get physically assaulted by a Police Officer. 

2020 has shown the long neglect to address failures in the healthcare system, criminal justice system, and education simply cannot continue. The need to apply true pressure to elected officials to make drastic and impacting change is the legacy Congressman John Lewis wanted to create. He said it best…

“I appeal to all of you to get into this great revolution that is sweeping this nation. Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete.”

We cannot allow the call for Black Lives Matter, Equality, and Justice to morph into nothing more than a bumper sticker or hashtag. The consequences are too much to allow that to happen. Let’s vote, let’s stay on the elected officials we elect to do their job of progressing the cause of all people and let’s keep doing it… until the revolution of 1776 is complete!

Similar Read: You Are NOT Your Ancestors!