What Do We Do Now

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.

I'm ready 2 work with U. 
Thanks 4 reading.
Khari B. 

The Heat part 4of 4: The Responsibility

Fear is the greatest, most powerful weapon on this planet. While hate is often thought 2 B the opposite of Love, I believe it’s fear.  Hate is merely a symptom of fear.  Fear immobilizes people, nullifies their power, creates self doubt and empowers the thing that is feared. All the stories, however true or false they may B have simply been used 2 instill an overwhelming fear in the masses allowing that group of people 2 act with impunity across the planet.

 

Let’s say 4 the sake of argument that all the above stories R 100% true. What does it matter? They R still a small minority that rely on the compliance of an overwhelming majority 2 do the things they do.  Policemen who have 2 get side jobs 2 properly provide 4 their families, soldiers sent 2 war and come back 2 hardship, health issues and worry, civil rights leaders begging 4 a seat at “the table,” impoverished Caucasians whose only personal saving grace is that at least they ain’t “Black,” hardline Democrat and/or Republican voters, workers and supporters who believe wholeheartedly that “their” party can make it better, etc…  R all tools of that minority. All of them R exploited daily 2 keep the money rolling N 4 that minority and all of them R carefully taught by others like them not 2 C their exploitation or not 2 care out of fear, duty, paternalism or responsibility 2 support their families. 

I get it. U’re scared. It can B scary. We’ve seen the vocal get picked off, blacklisted and/or have their names defamed and discredited 2 cast just enough reasonable doubt upon that individual 2 have any of their claims ignored. But that fear comes when U R looking at U and not us. “Us” is a powerful, resourceful being. “Us” cannot not B stopped because 1 part of us was removed. “Us” is smarter, bigger and stronger than any 1 of “U.”   Instruments of fear like race, religion, financial/class status, even geographical loyalties have been brilliantly used 2 sow seeds of fear between “Us” 2 keep us divided, distracted and not looking at “them.” “They” may not even like each other but they know 2 work as 1. 

So I blame U. I’m not that smart and I can C it clearly.  I blame U, that majority, that "other 98%" who allows this curious minority 2 run freely destroying everything in its path in pursuit of “shiny things” like any common rodent. I blame U 4 allowing such small things 2 keep us apart when it benefits us in untold ways 2 work 2gether. I blame U 4 every genocide now happening in both Africa and the Americas, 4 allowing careless corporations 2 poison U through your food, 4 becoming dependant on them N the 1^st place 2 eat, 4 allowing hunger when there is farmable land in a 4 block radius of where U stand right now;4 allowing "them" 2 make the water undrinkable, the air unbreathable, and your land unaffordable; 4 allowing people 2 live on the street when there R reported 22 homes 4 each homeless person N America, 4 choosing 2 B distracted from these issues by brainless entertainment designed specifically 4 that reason.  I blame the over seven billion people on this planet predominately of color and similar descent 4 allowing this 1 minority faction of 1minority people 2 run this rampant, destroying in a couple of centuries what U kept in harmony 4 100’s of thousands of years.  I’m a believer that we here as the keepers of this living Earth and in absence of our job performance the Earth will naturally make her own adjustments and it ain't gonna B nice 4 Us when She does.  The solutions R easy. U make this stuff hard. Yeah, it’s hot but it’s gonna get a whole lot hotter if WE don’t get back on our task.  Peace and harmony ya’ll.

 

Chairman Fred Hampton

Thanks 4 reading. 

Fini?

The Heat part 3 of 4: Know Your Enemy

As an artist working on my rise and acceptance N2 the masses of minds, ears and eyes of this world, even being the eternally energetic and joyous individual that I am, I do have bouts of doubt and frustration.  I’ve been at this thing a looooong time and it’s my intention 2 just “B” there right now; not still grinding from where I am and I get N2 spaces where I feel like ain’t nobody listening 4 me anyhow.  The irony is that I don’t expect that this entry will endear me any further 2 the industry or many fans.  I can’t B worried about that with this one, however. There R larger issues that, 4 me, R a bit more important than my artistic endeavors and having U all buy my album.

In the last post, we started off discussing the heat beating down on the country at present.  I addressed Chicago specifically but any look at any weather report shows that it’s been a nationwide thing.  I get it.  It’s hot. Hotter than it “naturally” should B. And U know what?  It’s your fault which is Y I’m irritated every time I hear U complain about how hot it is.  Largely this is directed at people of color but from a broader perspective this is 4 people regardless of anything as basic as skin tone.  Let’s look at it from the perspective of “the other 98%”

I did a little fact checking.  Dug N2 reports by Hoerling of the Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration, charts and explanations by The National Climatic Data Center who state that the chances of the heatwave being purely a natural event is 1 in 1,594,323. I even checked those who disputed that figure saying that from a statistical view it’s probably more likely 1 in 100,000 as if that makes such a major difference N the bottom line. Whatever the exact truth is, it is more than true that due 2 the negligent and irresponsible actions of one faction of a global minority in their pursuit 2 monopolize and control the resources, wealth and people of the planet without regard 2 the methods they have caused considerable damage 2 a planet that must work in balance 2 preserve itself. In maintaining that balance all type of weather related anomalies adverse to the lives of human beings may happen and YES, I blame that steadfastly on the 98%.

This is not racial. Race, if U haven’t figured out by now, is some made-up bull, largely explored and quantified by the Swede Carl Linnaeus in 1735, used 2 divide and conquer people irrespective of their nationality. I’m real clear that the world and the U.S. in particular have not moved on or healed from this affliction contrary 2 all claims of “Post Race.” If anything the disease has grown worse.  However, it is that small faction within those claiming “whiteness” that has done more 2 destroy living conditions on this planet than any one people N recorded history.  At this juncture of my life I have 2 recognize that not all Caucasians R the same just as all African descendants R not.  While there R more similarities than there R differences there R distinct differences in peoples and not all of them R worthy of celebration.

Though I am unquestionably of African or what is known as Asiatic descent I rebuke any national or biological association to those people who have and R inflicting inhumanly savage genocides like those in the Congo, duped like brainless cattle by European and American instigators 2 murder in massive numbers 4 the overwhelming benefit of those EuroAmerican corporations. That is not N the spirit of my people. Those same cruel yet ignorant lackeys found in puppet positions of power across Africa can B found N low income hoods across America on street corners, in pulpits and at liquor stores robbing and dealing death 2 those who resemble themselves here.  I submit, that MY people R no more like them than a cougar 2 a lion. I then must conclude that some of these Caucasians resemble only N pinkish skin.

 

There is a variant of Caucasian that have connived 2 pit nations of people against one another while they ride N on the backs of another sycophantic, underling, sheep-like people of varying ethnicities (the, "I'm just following orders/doing my job" people) and collect the indigenous wealth. Those aberrant variants R greedy, insatiable, violent and vicious. Their power has been attributed with characteristics similar 2 the Boogie-man. They R said 2 worship demons, draw on devilish powers, commit human sacrifices, band 2gether in centuries old secret societies, control this and that, hide and implement alien technology, prepare secret underground dwelling 2 live N as they destroy 2/3 of the people on the surface, etc…  All these phantom-like attributes that have become the distracting sustenance 4 conspiracy theorists the world over and a source of fear 2 the general populace. 

The conclusion 2 follow...