This is for those people (White, Black and everyone else) who
ask the question “Why don’t Black people care when Blacks kill other Blacks?”
Black people are just as hurt and angry when Black men and women
die from gang, domestic and random violence, as we are when racist police
officers, “neighborhood watchmen” and ordinary racists murder us.
BUT:
1. If you are relying
on the media to tell you that, you will never see it. They have no stake in Black Love and Black Self-reliance.
AND
2. If you are not around Black organizations or
Black people (if you don’t know the people who know) – you will stay ignorant!
In response to this question “Why don’t Black people care when
Blacks kill other Blacks?” I say this: “We DO. Why don’t YOU care?”
It seems that this question is ONLY raised when Black people voice our
anger over unjustified, racist murders.
If YOU really cared, then you would know about the organizations
that exist to stop the senseless, every day murders of Black people by Black
people:
1. You would know the names of these organizations, when and
where they meet and the members of these organizations.
2. You would go to their meetings.
3. You would ask them, “What can I do to help?”
4. You would donate your time and resources.
5. You would ask the media, “Why don’t you write/broadcast
anything about these organizations on a REGULAR basis?” and you would demand
coverage of these issues!
If you don’t have the time and/or resources to do any of the
five previous steps, do these: 1) Don’t assume that we “don’t care” about the
matter (because not only do you make an ass of yourself, you truly show your
ignorance, misconceptions and prejudices) and then 2) Don’t wait to see
something on CNN, MSNBC or BET for that matter. Reach out to Black people who can
explain our viewpoints. In this tech-savvy age, you have access to a variety of
people and resources. I personally welcome any sincere conversations.
AND…so you know there are a variety of organizations in Kansas
City that work against violence in our community. Among them are: the Ad Hoc Group Against Violence (shout out
to Mr. Brooks!), Stop the Violence KC, Mothers in Charge and each of the
historically Black Greek Letter Organizations. Forgive me if I forgot anyone!
If you really wanted an answer to “Why don’t Black people care
when Blacks kill other Blacks?” you got your answer! Simply put…WE DO!
I also think that people underestimate the constant threat of death that is part of being black and poor. What makes them think that we don't recognize that we might die every time we leave the house?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Cogito! The constant threat of violence, poor economic circumstances and easy access to weapons will cause every community to face these issues...every community! It's funny that we never see statistics about trailer park violence...so I am going to address this in my next blog. It should be out this weekend. Thanks for reading!
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