20/01/2020
LONG POST probably worth the read if you care to understand me more:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. started his journey based on the principals of Christ and injustices that were happening to mostly Black Americans in this Country. Blacks who were NOT considered American during this time (mind you it was only the late 1950s-1960s).
Like his peer Malcolm X, he began to break from the movement that captured his mind and his soul, its original mission/narratives and embarked on a self reflecting soul searching voyage, returning bolder and brave, broadened his message and mission into new heights and territories.
King focused more on spirituality and humanity while being centered on the injustice and economic empowerment of black people. He also became more politically and systemically centered in his narratives and focused on the economics of America as a whole. While data shows he was least favorited in his last days I believe King was seen a s a threat for seeking presidency. I've come to this conclusion based on conversations I've had with men and women who actually worked with King. A privilege I had during my NAACP days.
A long-term planned assassination had finally come to its fruition and he was assassinated April 4, 1968 at the youthful age of 39 (let that sink in).
Note: Both Malcolm and Martin’s death were assassinations planned by supracist and carried out by the hands of their own peers. For King’s, they didn’t pull the trigger but they sure put him in front of the bullet. (A metaphor for black culture in leadership and power).
A Personal Reflection/Epiphany:
Thinking of my childhood, I recall the moment I realized I was blessed to be born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY. My school was extremely culturally competent and my leaders were diverse in race and gender with majority black men and women paving the way. The student body was also majority Black and we were likely to celebrate both African culture (shout out to Rights of Passage)and Black culture every month of the school year.
My principal in grade school, Mrs. Mary D. Spells had a strong personality (an iD type personality like myself based on DISC).
My 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers Mrs. Blackman, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Ross were also very strong and direct women (possibly all D’s) who happen to be my favorite teachers. They were strict/adamant about following rules and also flexible based on behavior. Mrs. Campanella who was the 1st white teacher in the building I felt close to also had a strong personality. Now that I’m older and more educated around the topics of racism, civics and political engagement, I realize she was a progressive. Then last but never least was Ms. Middleton, the coolest and most relatable administrator in the building. She was from our neighborhood and every kid in there was her family. She was what we call today "Auntie". Every school should have a Middleton. All of these women loved children, including the “bad” ones, they loved God and they ensured my entire school was devoted to Black history and culture all year round.
MY POINT is,
the 1st 3-5 years are the most influential times of a child’s development. As a child I spent more time in school, community centers and church than at home. This was my environment 24/7. I also grew up in a household of women with strong, assertive yet influential personalities. 2 are military and Mensa genius’ and many of my family members are veterans, it’s no surprise I have the mentality, passion, attitude and energy I do. I also had a Very strong Christian (Baptist) upbringing.
Once I personally discovered the truth about America, its system and how it works I never looked back. Even if I’m not engaged politically as much in my Lifestyle as I used to be, I incorporate it in my lifestyle as I see it as a civic duty. That's really all I want to have everyone else understand as a need in their own. However, while I LOVE ALL people and I am passionate about HUMANITY PERIOD (copywriting that)... there is STILL a dire need to address the oppression of Black America that’s still exist today.
Black America has made some progress yes, and we should talk about that more in our social and economic narratives, we also need to challenge bias to stimulate hope and encourage civic power. Reminder that bias belongs to everyone including black folk.
We need to include every part of Blackness and it’s history year round in education as a Required curriculum enforced by the U.S Department of Education.
EVERY CANDIDATE:
I am a decedent of Slaves in THIS country (America) where race (which technically is not real) was created specifically to prohibit the advancement of people like myself.
I THINK:
Every candidate running for office should also have a Black Agenda specifically for Black Americans in addition to their Agenda for minorities.
I don’t think anyone who knows me can question where my heart lives when it comes to Humanity, especially children.
Anyone who can not grasp why this is important for the U.S to truly be a fair and equitable society for all people, I will be happy to have a constructive conversation about it and even would like to have a group dialogue about it.
Hopeful:
You know, I have a dream as well... it is my dream to find the most effective and efficient way possible to address this. I need help.
I feel like I’ve stood up for people my entire life (since I was a young girl) and I’ve risked a lot and lost a lot of opportunities, jobs and associations because of it. That’s my walk so I’m not complaining by far.
When things happen to black Americans I rarely see or hear anyone outside of my race including other minorities step up for Black America, particularly black men when injustice happens to them.
Regardless,I press on and continue to stand and serve. I help whoever I’m led to regardless of a label. I am a Christian (my choice of religious practice) and it’s my nature period.
