A Lovely Black Community

Police brutality, qualified immunity, white supremacy, unjust laws, broken families, and the list goes on. Most of us know this already. So why am I writing this? I’m writing this, because in spite of all of that, I believe in us. I believe that Black People can do anything, and overcome despite the odds stacked against us. I believe in our ability to rise. Like the words of Maya Angelou… “Still I Rise”. I believe we are missing integral pieces to our puzzle. Elements that the Black Communities of old had. The first element is unity. If I were a fly on the wall, I’m most certain that those communities had problems. Yet, unity helped create prosperous communities like Rosewood, and Tulsa Oklahoma. The latter is  better known as Black Wall Street. It’s not the reference I care to use, due to the fact that the first Wall Street that still exists today was an auction block for the buying, and selling, of Black People that built this nation.

Without unity Rosewood, Greensboro, and many other Black Communities could not have existed. I believe we must remember, that we are the descendants of some of the greatest minds, and civilizations on earth. We must love ourselves, and one another despite the hate that has been given. Of course we want to appreciate non-black allies, and be grateful for them. People that are willing to stand on front lines, facing brutality on our behalf, helping make calls, and donations towards justice. However, it’s imperative to deeply comprehend that our wholeness, and self-acceptance does not start outside of us. We do not need someone else’s validation or approval to feel good about who we are. The dream of a Lovely Black Community without colorism, self hate, and tearing down of one another will not come to fruition without unlearning the ugly things that we’ve been taught about ourselves through colonization, and methodologies used like the Willie Lynch letter.

If we want something beautiful for us, let us first shift our mindset. As Black People we must really consider embracing the Principles of Kwanzaa. No matter how many times we are knocked down, we must get up. We have to monitor our daily encounters with one another. Are we just thinking of “me, myself, and I”, or are we making moves to help benefit our people. For example, will we go the extra mile to purchase from Black Businesses? Will we recycle the Black Dollar? Do we simply speak to one another, letting each other know that “I see you”, especially in times such as these. I’m looking forward to the day when Black People receive reparations. Yet, I will not wait on a check to do my part in improving our conditions.  I know this much, we can’t wait on someone else to do it for us. We can’t wait to invest in one another, we can’t wait for school systems to educate our children, they are being miseducated. We can’t be remiss about forward movement that will change generations. Building strong families, legacy, and generational wealth, has to become a priority. We have to act now, because those that came before us, did more with less access. It’s time to do more with what we have in our hands, even if all we see is 5 loaves and 2 fish. Faith in action makes it possible.  All I know is that I’m dreaming of a Lovely Global Black Community: City to city, country to country, continent to continent. Will you dream with me?