Black lives matter, but so does Black unity.
So does Black business. Black dollars. Let's continue to fight malicious external forces as we strengthen internal resources.
Let's continue to maintain our employment as we develop more of an entrepreneurial mindset; and even if we do not go into business of our very own, let us aggressively and nearly exclusively (as much as reasonably possible at this time) support businesses owned by our brothers and sisters, JUST as neighboring minority communities do (Koreans, Afghans, etc). Also known as: keeping money IN the community.
The more that we do this, the more money comes IN to our community. We are constantly exporting irreplaceable things of value to other places. Whether it be our talent, creativity or our hard earned capital. At what point does this cycle end? At what point do we begin to realize and come to terms with the fact that irrespective of what brainwashing has occurred through the centuries, that we are now smart enough and creative enough to at LEAST work cooperatively in our communities?
There are larger forces at work at this time that are nearly out of (or completely out of) our control. We all know what these forces are -- such as systemic oppression, racism, and the like. But we must come to terms with the fact that we are smarter than we give ourselves credit for. We must admit that we have freedom to change things within our own community -- things that are well within our control.
We must honestly state to ourselves that we are, at many times, in competition with one another, while our neighboring minority communities are constantly working side by side. No, they have NOT faced even 1% of the things we have faced as a race. They have not been generationally brainwashed, they have not been separated into the house and a field. They do not have an actual written PLAN that was constructed centuries ago by one man for the sole purpose of keeping them oppressed for years to come. This is true, it's not an excuse, it is FACT. BUT. BUT. BUT!!! We are smart enough to at least recognize that some of these things are wrong now. We are smart enough to begin loving our natural beauty, irrespective of imagery on a TV screen.
But are we really smarter? As in, smarter than our ancestors were? Certainly we have the opportunities to be better educated. But has this really made us smarter as a community? Because I know our ancestors were so happy to be free once those chains were broke that they IMMEDIATELY began building their communities. If ONE person in the neighborhood knew how to read, they would teach every other Black person they could, free of charge. Landowners would sell their property for CENTS, nowhere near its value, just so a Black school could be built. My own great grandfather, a Black farmer and owner of many acres of land, made sure to feed all the hungry Black kids with no cost. And no uppity attitude.
So, are we truly smarter than our ancestors were? Collectively, are we stronger than they were? Or even just as? I honestly draw a blank sitting here very early this morning asking myself these questions.
But here's one thing that is perfectly clear to me:
#ItALLMatters .
If we keep this in mind, there will be a point in time where people of other races will be honored to live in our neighborhoods. There will be a point in time where we will control the markets that we give the MOST money to every year -- such as beauty -- instead of the Koreans.
We cannot be timid or humble in our efforts to secure what belongs to us. We work hard for our money and we deserve its proper circulation within our own communities. Yes many of us are "woke". The alarm clark went off, we got out of bed, but we ain't really had the Folgers in our cup just yet. We're fully aware, great. Now let's get energized. A fight for equal treatment from cops is necessary. A boycott of supermarkets is a nice idea. But through all the protesting, through all the justified anger, through all the boycotting, let's not forget collective building in the process. I don't see enough people talking about this.
That is all. :wub:
was wondering where you were going with this tbh. Thought it was about to be a new MESS era.
woo. :plzstop:
s
well that was fast wtf
You are 100% right.
Black lives ALWAYS matter, not just when it's took at the hands of police.
n