Black History Month Passes

As Black History month passes without a sound I choose to raise my voice in frustration. Sadly, it seems that the contributions of black people to the American landscape has been relegated to the sidelines while symbolic progress pacifies the masses. It seems that we have become addicted to the post-racial syringe that America continually injects in us. This addiction is detrimental to the continual shaping of our collective identity. As we are unable to see the ways in which post-racial has it roots in white supremacy and thus the journey towards the absence of color leaves us continually in the midst of whiteness. We remain lost. So I REJECT the notion that my history does not need to be celebrated and recognized by a country that convenietly seeks to deny the impact of blackness on the collective soul of America. My pen is the basis for my opposition, my life is a testament to my history. Let's Get Free!

Prisoner Blackness

Is our blackness to be worn as a badge of honor or is it a chain-linked fence that curtails aspirations and makes failure acceptable? This is the question that I believe must be individually and collectively examined in the black community. For many of us, we have adopted a communal approach that forces black to toe an invisible line of black authenticity. Where style of talk, aspirations and who one chooses to date must be measured against the choices of a silent majority that seems to dictate one's level of blackness. The question is whether or not this is a mentality is liberated or simply of a transformed mentality that originated in the confines of slavery where whites set the limits on black action and created the norms of the black community. Were the struggles of the past fought for blacks to be seen as individuals and to break from the shackles of monolithic identification? Or was it simply to break from white control to a more "acceptable" black elite that shapes the opinion of our people. In reality, our blackness should be worn as a badge of pride, but we must allow for individuals to be shaped by blackness in whatever way they choose. We cannot allow for to conformity to alienate those whose idea of blackness does not coincide with our system of beliefs. We must allow for blacks to be free to allow for their identity and understanding of blackness to be shaped by their experiences. If we cannot do this, then the desire for liberation will continue to be an illusion that lies outside the realm of the masses of our people.

Dreams Deferred

Dreams deferred create bitterness in the hearts of those idealistic dreamers. So, many in my community have forgotten the beauty of dreaming because limited possibilities has created a stifling cynicism that permeates the hollow streets our own communities. So the question is how do we begin to dream again when the reality for most seems so dark? This is the question that I pose to my people. Will we dream again? Will we allow for our talents and gifts to be the fuel to restore our community back to its rightful place as beacon of hope and nurturer for our young people? Or will we allow for hopelessness to continually pervade every corner of our communities, allowing innocent dreams to die violent deaths. Our freedom is inextricably linked to our dreams. Let's start dreaming again.

Change

How do we agitate for change in the midst of stagnant times? It seems that the stifling winds of helplessness have all but extinguished the revolutionary calls for change. Now the idea of change is nothing more than a empty slogan collectively digested by the masses devoid of the sacrificial understanding necessary to make it possible. So collectively we sit at one of the most important times in human history. What will be the path we take?

A Question of Leadership

The relevance of those that seek to convince us of our injuries is rapidly diminishing. At times I wonder who benefits when African Americans construct their identities on the fractured foundation of victimhood. Are there those who seek to resurrect the brutality of our history so that they can then be identified as our saviors? The question is are they truly interested in our progress or in keeping us blindfolded to the ways in which their prosperity is contingent on our misery? The time of calling into question the legitimacy of the self-serving industry of African American leadership is at hand. I am all for those who seek to identity the evils of American society. However, I feel that at times those who question, or not interested in eradicating the evils but simply in securing their position as a critic, thus their stake in the system is the same as the oppressor. It is imperative that we move beyond the confines of victimhood and begin to create a progressive movement around our desire to change the American system. The time of heeding the advice of those that ultimately seek to convince us of our sickness so that they can then sell us the cure is over. Let’s Get Free!

Cry Freedom

The cries for freedom seem to be drowned out by the mounting tides of cynicism that have engulfed the masses. It is becoming harder and harder to envision freedom from the entanglements that stifle the masses. However, we must remain defiant in the face of the oppressive structures that seek to relegate revolution to nothing more than a pipe dream in the minds of society's designated idealist. The cries of freedom must continuously push us beyond the confines of conformity were we can courageously wrestle with the giants of apathy and ignorance that seek to intellectually poison the public. Our lives must continuously be testaments to the idea that the overbearing stench of oppression will not suffocate the righteous. To my people in the struggle as always Let's Get Free!

The comfort of fear

At times it is easy to embrace the comfort of failure or the familiarity of limited expectations because it allows for a damaged self-worth to remain protected. It seems that at times we can be our own worst enemy. Afraid to embrace new challenges because the fear of the unknown keeps us retreating towards familiar boxes. I am beginning to see the ways in which historical wounds on the psyches of my people has continuously manifested itself in the questionable choices my people continue to make. Maybe it easier to retreat from the world evoking the stale cries of racism and systematic injury then to truly apply oneself without the protective cover of accepted excuses? However, I do not want my words to be used to absolve a racist society of its destructive role in the continuous oppression of my people. No, I want my words to challenge my people to truly examine our choices and to see the ways in which fear has sought to create a prison around our aspirations. Let's believe in our greatness and began the process of daily actualizing our beauty and courage. To my people in the struggle Let's Get Free!

What does Love of Country Look Like?

"I love America more than any country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually"... James Baldwin

Middle Class Aspirations

It might surprised some but I don't hold middle class aspirations. I don't aspire to the social rewards that society has laid out for those that follow the rules. Middle class aspirations are connected to the perpetuation of the privilege of American values. Sadly, these values seem to be above critique and collectively we steadily accepted the values as the common sense approach to life. However, I believe that there is more to life than the accumulation of worthless materials and self-depreciating commodities. Life should be rooted in seeking to create a sustainable way of life for all of humanity. This reality cannot be created as long as the inhabitants of the most privileged country on earth are continuously motivated by the allure of excess. So, no I do not aspire to the cleverly crafted American dream because I cannot in good conscience sleep peacefully when I know my dream is creating an endless nightmare for others.