We don’t feel free. We don’t feel like our voice matters, and most importantly we don’t feel like the people who are called to protect and serve us give a crap about us.
This is so much more than “anger.” This is now rage. Time after time we have begged people in power to speak up, to stand up. We have been asking for too long. Cops get paid leave while mothers, fathers, children, and communities are left to mourn. Black men in particular are trying to come up with new ways to look “less threatening” and everyone offers advice on how we should act when we get pulled over.
“Keep your hands up” they say. “Only reach for something when they ask, and tell them where you are reaching.” “Don’t question them.” “Shut up.” “Don’t move.” “Don’t look big and bad.”
This list is endless, and if you don’t already know, even if you follow every “rule” you are not guaranteed to walk away from the situation alive.
When Colin Kaepernick decided that he was going to kneel during the pledge of allegiance, people were outraged, but in reality EVERY SINGLE PERSON should have been outraged about one thing only- the fact that he had a real reason to be doing so.
The fact of the matter is, we are tired of asking. We are done hoping that this time will be different. We are done with putting names after hashtags, and believing for “the best.” WE ARE DONE.
This isn’t an issue about black lives being more important than anyone else’s, else's; this is simply about them being important PERIOD.
So kneel during the pledge, boycott companies that don’t support us, cover your husband, and children, and parents every time they get in the car. Refuse to let this world corrupt you.
BLACK LIVES MATTER. And if this statement makes you uncomfortable, it should. We all need to be uncomfortable that a whole entire race is being mistreated out in the open.
It doesn’t matter what color your skin is; BE OUTRAGED. SPEAK UP. PRAY.
