I had issues with BLACK LIVES MATTER and I see why you would Too, BUT lets UNITE

I had an issue with Black Lives Matter.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) was brought to the stage front July 13, 2013. It is an international movement originated within the African-American community which campaigns against violence and systemic racism ( Wikipedia).

When BLACK LIVES MATTER became prominent, I was resistant to it. It referring to the NAME of the CAUSE, But not the cause it campaigns against.

Simply put, “Black Lives Matter,” appears divisive but I later found out, that is not the case.

I disliked the name because it was direct. I thought it was poor marketing. Yes, people’s lives are unjustly taken and I’m here thinking about the marketing aspect of the campaign. My first reaction to the name BLACK LIVES MATTER was, are we being inclusive? On the grand scheme of things, when more people feel connected to a Cause, there is a high probability the Cause will be championed. I say this because, as we look at various causes such LGBTQIA.., (and whatever else letters that might be added later), PETA, ( people for ethical treatment of animals); They all want to appear inclusive, well scripted and executed.

But, many fail to realize that various organizations such as Women’s rights Movement (feminist still can be racist), LGBTQUIA…(privileged white men especially), Immigrants (Brown people…yes you are black) and NFL, and many others have benefitted and are benefiting off the backs of blacks…in MANY ways: one aspect is the The Civil rights movement act of 1964. When the issues of blacks are addressed society reaps the harvest. For those expecting today’s uprising to be nicely wrapped in a package for your comfort, that is A Big MISTAKE.

Though Black Lives Matter was not well curated, it is a movement that started with a #hastag or older folks might call it… a #pound-sign. ( which is brilliant) Though in the beginning I was thinking, “yes, all lives matter duh.” I just wanted the name to sit well with others to generate more allies.How many times have we tried to fit into the mold of society and appease to others?

After looking more in depth into our current state in society, though the name of an organization is important and you want to market it to the masses; at the same time I realized with many things, it has very little to do with the name i.e Google, YAHOO, OREO, REDDIT… it has more to do with the product/content it provides. No matter what an organization is called, if people do not care about a CAUSE or a group of people combating injustices, they will find a way to water it down, negate it and ignore it.

And for many, the word “BLACK” is already offensive. Though Black Lives Matter started with a #pound-sign; Black Lives Matter stems from, anger, pain, suffering, exhaustion, being unheard for decades…centuries by the USA. It is birthed by seeing Black bodies murdered and overlooked. It came from bodies being looted, and those with badges seen as innocent and the innocent being criminalized.

Though BLM was not concocted in a huge board meeting with the marketing team waiting for the VP to sign off on it... It was created by Innocent blood being shed and crying out for help.

Many misinterpret this Protest as divisive it is not..it is direct. Time is calling for TRANSFORMATION, and REFORMATION. I want to avoid using the word “change,” because it is overly processed. In order to get the transformation in our society/communities, we need politicians with reformed mindsets.

For centuries we have placed/selected people that have perpetuated the same demonizing rhetoric and others glaze over the real concerns to appease to everyone.

SO, when people are saying GO AND VOTE. That in itself is skating over the issues. YES, VOTE. In reality, we are voting for the SAME PEOPLE that are representing “DIFFERENT” PARTIES.

Republicans and democrats are interchangeable. Since republicans are Pro-Life…understand and legislate laws that can be in the betterment of minority lives, not just lives in the womb. Yes all men (women included) are created equals…BUT society has and continue to treat them differently and unjustly.

END THE CYCLE!

It’s just Semantics

Do not get caught GAZING over the forest and miss the HUGE tree that IS burning down.

Ignore it long enough and EVENTUALLY everything WILL BE SET ablaze.

WE have already seen the smoke, the damages and have ignored them for centuries.

Do not deflect from the word “Black Lives Matter,” as a way to separate yourself from the CAUSE.

IT IS ABOUT JUSTICE BEING SERVED.

Police have become the Judge and the Jury. …Blacks and other minorities are being strangled in the streets, chased and gun downed.

If we continue to ignore this due to the wording of “ BLACK Lives Matter,”…It is only a matter of time until you will start fighting for your own freedom, gasping for your dare life as you take your last breath. Remaining SILENT also Kills.

This is NOT about anti-police. It is about keeping them accountable.

Note, before you head outside today, make sure you phone is CHARGED.

So,

For all of you screaming, “ALL LIVES MATTER.” you are correct. Let US not let formal semantics divide us. If this was a math equation, since, “All Lives Matter,” Then someone saying, “Black Lives Matter,” is also CORRECT; because Black Lives would be included in the All Lives MATTER.

The cause is BLACK LIVES MATTER… it did not say ONLY black lives matter. Know the difference.

Right now BLM is focusing on the injustices affecting the Black Community.

The black community have greatly affected by Slavery, Jim Crow Laws. In addition to SYSTEMIC RACISM: Redlining, using property tax to fund schools, police brutality, racism…and many of our causes falling on deaf ears, blind eyes and hardened hearts.

So, to name the cause Black Lives Matter, has it’s benefits! It is up front and CENTER.

It has caught the attention of mainstream media; from actors, businesses to politicians.

there IS NO WAY AROUND IT.

If you choose to ignore it, you ARE blatantly racist or frankly you don’t care about anyone’s life; which perpetuates racism which makes you part of the problem.

Silence does not remove you from the effects of society. Your voice is powerful…Use IT.

And some of you…THE ONES WHO CARE MORE ABOUT THE LOOTERS THAN THE ACTUAL DEATHS. YOU CARE MORE ABOUT PURSES THAN BODIES. YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.

No, I do not agree with looting and stealing. Understand that just because there is a uprising, It does not mean that everyone is FOR THE CAUSE.

You will have the agitators, the bandwagon, those pushing their own agendas etc.

So let’s refocus…if this issue of racism was taken care of already….we would not be here discussing it.

Take responsibility.

On a side note, for those of you who are trying to keep YOUR children in a bubble, that is not the answer. Allow your children to play with children of color and vice versa… Learn to build real relationships with people color so it is not just a #blacklivesmatter

Racism and complacency go hand-in-hand. They are learned whether overtly or covertly and the affects are deadly.

So, as a Christian, aren’t we all God’s people?

So, does All Lives Matter? For Christians who are having an issue with this cause/movement I would urge you to WAKE UP!

Your brothers and sisters are in need yet silence have permeated the Podium, choirs and the pews. Many might think this is a “trendy” sermon to deliver, but the, “love thy neighbor,” Still stands. Being a “voice to the voiceless.” is still applicable and is needed!

Read John 17:20-26, For believers we are called to be intertwined by LOVE, and be the embodiment of unity. By people seeing the many colors, cultures etc. we become an example to society.

It was NOT meant for us to stay IN separate buildings on SUNDAYs…divided by color due to living in separate neighborhoods (redlining), having separate school etc. -All due to the design of systemic racism.

I sometimes joke to myself while wondering why we let the most superficial covering separate us? What would have happened if 5 million people had extra legs and another 10 million had extra arms or just another eye? smh.

Over all, Lives are TAKEN/MURDERED because we are waiting for someone else to aid them. Waiting for someone else to speak up for them. Waiting for someone else to Stand with them. In saying this, I am talking about lives, Blacks, Children, Native American etc…. All lives.

So, agreeing with Black Lives MATTER does not negate other races and nationality… it is simply pointing an arrow towards a group of people that needs your help…Your voice, your influence to bring about transformation in society NOW.

For those who are Color-blind,

Stop saying it! unless you are actually color-blind. I am referring to the, “see no evil,” “hear no evil,” and “speak no evil”…individuals; yet they let racism run rampant.

Yes, I’m referring to the jokes you make at work, being silent to injustices, the ones that do not hire someone because of their skin tone or name or frankly, choose not to promote them and to the many individuals still wondering why people keep saying YOU have privilege.

So, even though you (those who are color-blind) think you have self-actualized and have elevated your understanding of humanity, society and YOUR spiritual being….

In actuality you are not “WOKE,” you are simply having a vivid dream.

(ALERT) By claiming to be blind to color we are stating, those being affected by racism …are being haunted by the FIGMENT of their imagination, which is disingenuous and have proven deadly.

And those benefiting from being color-blind ,it is seen as if it is just their, “hard work” that has paved the way for them. We fail to realize that this system has been structured for white people more especially white males to get more than just a head start in life… It opened more opportunities, they can easily navigate through life without modifying their behavior, erasing their culture while not being $hortchanged in the workplace, stereotyped having cops called on them while doing mundane daily activities. - and these are just a few things.

As you can SEE It is just as disastrous to drive color-blind as it is to live in the same manner.

Being “color-blind” does not elevate you…It makes you part of the problem.

Understand, you can still love someone and still see their color. It just shows us that though the eyes sees, it is the mind that perceives…Judges, condemns... It is the mind that needs transforming.

So, START SEEING COLORS…the answer is to not judge, condemn AND demonize PEOPLE because of it.

For many when you see color you will REALIZE the LACK of diversity you are surrounded by and/or the LACK of diversity you are creating and maintaining.

Start looking up funds and charities you can give to.

****We are responsible for ending Police Brutality and Social Injustices. I am not saying do not march or for you to march. I am saying…DO SOMETHING (donate to a cause, start making your relationships intentional with people of color, etc.) and be an Ally to combat injustice.****

I was blind but now I SEE.

We as a society are waking up… it ONLY took CORONAVIRUS, and the country being isolated/SOCIAL DISTANCING in their homes for months, which affects UNEMPLOYMENT drastically, No sports, you’ve already binged-watch the entire Netflix/Hulu, the down-turning of an economic system, a DIVISIVE PRESIDENT and let US not forget….THE MURDERING OF BLACK PEOPLE and the world seeing it on a video recording while justice is not being served.

Are you still reading?

I call and stand for,

-Police Reform

-School Reform

-Housing reforming

-Political reform

…DO NOT just agree with a CAUSE.

START MAKING A DIFFERENCE.