If you haven't heard about the recent tragedy of Alton Sterling, then wake the hell up cause you have definitely been oblivious to the world and the things in it. Or maybe you just don't care. Or maybe you're like me, numb. Not emotionless, just numb. I wake up everyday, thank the good Lawd that I made it through another night of his grace, and expect one of my black brothers or sisters to be dead. I expect it. Why? Because we as black men and women are expendable in the eyes of America. The home of the brave and the mentally enslaved. I'm over it. OVER IT.
I've seen so many of my people be murdered just for being black. Then I look at my child. My 10 year. My BabyGuh. Energetic, creative, opinionated, talkative and full of the most beautiful melanin. The beauty of her smile melts my heart sometimes and I think to myself, "I'm doing a hell of a job." But I worry about her. She has a tendency to ask questions and provide explanations on how and why she should or should not do things that she is asked. Not because she is defiant, but because she has the ability to communicate how and what she feels. During those times I usually hit her with the same thing that's been said for generations... BECAUSE I SAID SO! What I really want to say is, "Because you are black! You are hated for that reason and that reason alone. Because you are smart, and that makes you a threat. Because you need to learn that most white people don't care about you or your opinions. Because a cop can drag you out of your car, or school desk, put you in a choke hold until you stop breathing. Because Daddy wants you to LIVE!" How do you teach your child how to play a game that she is more than likely going to lose? How do you teach the child the evils of the world without taking her innocence? HOW SWAY HOW?
I was born and raised in Oxford, MS and you better believe that by the time I was 10, I had already watched every episode of Eyes on the Prize Series, Roots, The Color Purple, Shaka Zulu, and the Imitation of Life, MULTIPLE TIMES. MULTIPLE! I had a fear and respect for the police and white people before I could even distinguish what really made us different. All this while hearing the Ole Miss Rebel Marching Band playing Dixie in the background while the Colonel ran down the field with a confederate flag. I knew more black history facts than I did my times tables, until I met Queenie Barnes. I even had teachers tell me that I was too smart for my own good. So I know what it feels like to be seen as less than before you even know your true worth. It's a horrible feeling and I would never want to put that on my child.
I was strolling through Facebook today, you know the new source of all media and opinions. I realized that we all are feeling some kind of way about this tragedy. The emotions are all over the place and people are tired. I also feel like we are so far on the spectrum on what the solution should be, that we will never come together and make an impact that America needs to feel. You got the Burners over here burning down their own community, the Praying Aint's over there ain't doing nothing but praying, the Stay Wokes at Apache Cafe', and the Affluents too busy distancing themselves. The question I have is, "What will bring us all together?'
And I'm gonna wrap this up with a Duke's Direct Message to my fellow Christians:
So you would like to know where do we start? Well damn it here it goes.... Christians, we need to move beyond the benediction into boldness. The Lawd said he would fix it, and you best believe I'm standing on his word. But do you fools not realize that the Lawd is trying to fix it through us? Stop being a prime example of "when being saved goes wrong." My friend just said... "...[Duke] ain't got zero time or fucks to give." Ma'am, you would be correct. I don't have one Jesus Blood Covered one to give and my chronological timepiece ain't working. We are suppose to be the light of the world, then tell me why every time we get an opportunity to shine, we hide behind prayer? Think about it, who has the largest number of members in their organization? CHRISTIANS... well we so called Christians. So why are we not out here consolidating the churches, organizing these protests, praying with the people and community openly? Why are we not showing the people how to maneuver and make change? Isn't that what disciples are suppose to do? Be of the world and not conformed to it. Hell, I wouldn't even know because we are not out there. No we just sit back with our eyes closed and our head bowed to what's going on in the world and the people around us. Whose gonna be our new Martin, Malcolm, Jesse, and Al.? I heard someone say that saving souls and baptizing people is our response to Ferguson. UMMMM NO SIR IT'S NOT!!! And if you truly believe that, then I see why the world is still full of darkness. Being killed because we are black has nothing to do with if I'm saved or not. How about we go into the community, that we are so quick to say we are trying to help, and actually see what the people need. I guarantee you that if I am hungry, I would take a ham sammich over your prayer any day of week. That's where start... beyond your comfort zone and workless prayers. Sometimes I'm just unable to can. This is why it's so hard for me to find the balance between my blackness and my Jesus. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that this ole world is not home, I'm just passing by.
Sophistication:
Doing the best you can to take of your family by any means necessary
Ratchet:
Killing an unarmed father whose is trying to take care of his family
NOW PUT THEM TOGETHER.... IT'S A DAMN SHAME!!
Sincerely Yours,
Duke R. de la S.
