I felt like I needed to write about my experience attending my first peaceful protest surrounding the civil unrest that is currently affecting our country. As an African American man, I feel like it’s important to share my view point because it is unique. There is a lot that happens on a daily that most might not be aware of. I know there are groups of people who feel like racism, microaggressions, and cultural appropriation are tools that black people use to make non-black people feel bad. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that to be true! We don’t want anyone to feel bad. Ultimately, what we want is the chance to have our voices heard. It shouldn’t feel like we’re forcing issues down your throat.
The Truth of the Matter
Police brutality among the people has been a long standing issue. It’s something specifically that has affected my community for a lonnnnnnnng time. So I think it’s safe to say that there’s a bit more than anger associated with the consistent killing of black and brown bodies by the police. The thing that struck me as interesting regarding these recent events, was the fact that I didn’t feel that this particular instance was any different from the rest. I’m not going to complain at the fact that the people, all people, are mobilizing in outrage for this monstrosity, but I must be honest. What is different this time? Why are people choosing to pay attention now?
I had a good talk with a friend of mine. She told me that although she was aware that this was an issue within the black community, she had no idea the magnitude. Something about this blatant disregard for human life, was in her words, “UNDENIABLE PROOF!” It sucks to say, but the veil had to be ripped off at some point. That’s what we really need in order to produce change. Things can’t be glossed over anymore and portrayed as something not serious and life threatening. The only real way to save lives is to arm people with knowledge so they can adjust and make the right decisions.
A New Experience
This past weekend, I attended my first peaceful protest with a group of people I care a lot about. Initially, the idea seemed a bit overwhelming. Not because of the so called “riot culture” but because there would obviously be a lot of emotion when like minded people band together. For an empath like me, such a symphony of feelings could prove to be too much. When we got there, I was so happy to see people from all walks of life, gathered to celebrate me. Not me in a literal sense, but me, a black man, in this country. A black life, in this country. Us. Our black lives in this country. It was BEAUTIFUL. There was such a strong sense of unity. It was powerful. I felt like if we could all band together on an issue like this, there’s no telling what we, as a community could accomplish. We all walked a few miles in the downtown, 100 degree heat, chants and all. It was beautiful! In that moment, I felt proud to be a part of such a strong movement of people. We were all individuals but I could feel that we were moving as one.
A Few Words
I really felt like it was important for me to emphasize the fact that this was a peaceful protest, my first peaceful protest. The media has a knack for portraying hurt people, oppressed people, dying people, as rioters. Thugs, looters, troublemakers, Neanderthals are labels that we have spent the last 400 years wearing. It’s important that I speak truth to darkness. I must speak life! The hundreds of people that attended this protest were speaking truth to lies and deceit. We all need compassion during these times. It’s not fair to say that something isn’t an issue because you are fortunate to not deal with it! We have to people better people. We have to stand together to heal the world. Keep an open mind peeps. Keep an open heart! Love thy neighbor. It really will make a huge difference!
