N the wake of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling murders I
was having an after-workout convo with a friend of mine. She voiced the common
concern of what could she do that can help change these/our conditions 4 the
better. N the weeks prior 2 those lynchings this question has been the
subject of conversation quite often. I waited, got still and thought long about
it B4 I posted any substantive answer. I
still can’t tell U that I have THEE solution. I don’t believe that anyone
really does, if such a thing does exist. However I do know of a few actions
that every one of us can do if we R earnest N our desire 2 dismantle the
diseased structure of European domination and fix those conditions amongst
melanated people, the world over, that desperately need correcting. I VERY
humbly offer these suggestions.
Step 1: Ego check - As I
understand it, the ego is largely emotional. Its ability 2 guide us rationally
is limited at best and typically acts as a send-off when left unchecked. In the
area of raising a community it’s the ego that makes us think that we’re the
only 1 with the right answers, ideas, or initiatives. It makes us want 2 B in
charge or not B involved at all. It is often what blocks cooperation with our
comrades and it is definitely that sense that led many a traitor 2 sell-out
their people/organization/crew because their ego was somehow bruised or not
given the praise they were really seeking.
If U’re in a nation building organization 4 the praise,
please quit. Find other work 2 do. Praise is nice but this action is not 4
U. If things like religion, philosophy,
political affiliation and other illusional divisions divide U from working with
your brotha and sista with the same goals, B off. This is not 4 U. There’s only
1 goal. Live fully. Dismantle European domination and raise our people up from
their ills. That’s the only area we need 2 agree on. Everything else is
personal and should B dealt with that way. This is business. Get past petty
differences 2 do the work that needs 2 B done. Don’t B so hyped 2 B the 1 N
charge. & PLEASE stop taking sh** so personal. This is a we thing.
Step 2: Integrity/Truth - Do what U say U’re gonna do. Let’s face it,
we R scared of 1 another; afraid of being let down, sold out, taken advantage
of, etc… It’s happened B4 and we’ve
allowed those past situations 2 define our present. European domination has
infected ALL of our minds in some way and that infection is often reflected in
the actions of some of us who wrong those of us who rely on or look 2 4
assistance, leadership or service. That has 2 change. As I wrote a friend of
mine earlier, we must B so about our word that trust amongst us is infallible
and impenetrable. Ego & distrust has left us continually vulnerable 2
exterior aggravation and instigation and our ignorance in our participation of
falling prey 2 these traps has got us 2 where we R 2day; being murdered N the
streets without remorse or recourse and so scattered that there is no end in
sight 2 these atrocities. B about your word to your people and a stronger community
will rise around that.
Step 3: Culture - 2 root ourselves in culture, which is done
through education, both formal (school) and informal (home/community), is 2
give us a singular accord and goal as a people. It binds a body of people
2gether 4 their present and future survival. Through European domination we
have been conditioned 2 rebuke and fear the traditions that we as Africans carried
2 America long B4 and after Columbus’ violently disruptive arrival. Those R the
characteristics that sustained us 4 thousands of years here and abroad and
those R the characteristics that we R 2 (re)implement back N2 our lives while
updating those things 2 fit our present reality. It’s going 2 take some study.
It ain’t just dashikis and hairdo’s, though that’s part of it. Embracing our
traditions is going 2 do wonders 4 our growth and protection of our people
against the savagery of those committed 2 our demise.
If U R from a city that has a Chinatown (New York, Chicago,
San Francisco), have U ever heard of a cop murdering a young man of Chinese
descent there? EVER??? Is there a special segment of police training that keeps
them from doing so? Hypothetically, what do U think would happen if such a
thing did occur? The Chinese make up a far smaller segment of the population
than Africans in America so how is it that there is no worry 4 them, as another U.S. minority, of any
of their children or men or women being shot down, unarmed at the whim of some
cop? Their culture HERE, negating how China itself would respond, would never
allow U.S. cops 2 murder so many of their people in Chinatown. They R clear
about their culture and it continues 2 protect them in so many ways.
Step 4: Build institutions around our culture. Help improve and
expand what already exists rather than start your own. I’m not talking about
the NAACP or other outdated questionable institutions but community-based
businesses, schools grocery stores, etc… We have 2 B able 2 feed, shelter,
clothe and (since we’re living N a capitalist society) employ one another.
Dependency on the same kind of savages that R murdering us and limiting our
access 2 resources 2 do that 4 us is not merely insane but it’s kept us in the
condition where we R fighting amongst ourselves out of anger, lack and
ignorance. March if U wanna but put up that doe. Eventually we’ll even have 2
get away from using “their” currency.
Foreign countries have been toppled and leaders slain 4 this 1 but in
the meantime get everyone at the next march 2 up $50 2 build or fortify our banks,
schools, grocery stores, jobs, clothing lines, etc…
Do these things comfortably and unapologetically! Display unconditional integrity amongst ourselves. Do away with putting ego N2 these matters, except in the spaces where it keeps U from being stopped by any opposition. Reaffirm who we R culturally, and nationally build institutions around that culture, not at the exclusion of anyone else but 4 the complete inclusion of our people.
& finally and possibly most important, let go the fear
of change. Be real with yourself about what this is. We R being terrorized by terrorists who R trained, financed and armed by a system of European domination using institutional racism 2 deprive people of color of LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No? This BS has got 2 change. We R that change but it has 2 begin
internally and it has 2 build communally. Until they feel the pain we feel - until there is some fair and equitable consequence 2 their transgressions against us, by us, these transgression will continue. History has given us all the lessons we need 2 know 2 do what we need 2
do. Learn from it and get 2 work. Not another sista or brotha need B murdered
in this crisis.
I know I wrote this 2 sound like general suggestions but I suggest we look at each of these steps N a very specific way and start 2day. Leave your BS at home and deal with it there. It’s nation building time.
Thanks 4 reading.
