Freedom

 

  The United States, as a nation stands on a long list of ideals. Freedom is the most quoted and celebrated one of all. However, those that were brought to the shores of North America in chains may beg to differ on the true definition of freedom. For 256 years men, women, and children of African descent were forced to work under unthinkable conditions on tobacco and cotton fields. It would be this same group of people that would be the backbone of a nation. As it regarded those that wanted freedom for themselves, the Thirteenth Amendment didn't have much meaning. If one wanted a chance at a new life than destiny was in your own hands. Because of the brave men and women who had the courage to put destiny in their hearts and back pockets we as a people have reached heights that are still unimaginable. Thanks to the story of African-Americans the ongoing book of the story of America keeps getting better.     

  Here we are today in the year 2021. Standing 40 million strong as descendants of slaves makes God himself smile down from heaven. I am one out of 40 million and I'm proud of my ancestors efforts for freedom, justice, and equality. In a world filled with alternative narratives and inaccurate "projects" being pushed having to be a lover of "Black History" and a thorough researcher are great traits to have. Since the government shutdowns and the death of George Floyd I feel as though African-Americans have been used as pawns on a chessboard. Due to rage, anger, and stress brought about by years of slavery, discrimination, Jim Crow Laws, and disenfranchisement. Knowing this public figures, influencers, and the powers that be can easily lure people to their doom. This is why it is so important to study our ancestors. Can you imagine if Booker T. Washington or Frederick Douglass whined and moaned when things got harder? In my humble opinion once we find a way to stay away from the hashtags than maybe we will finally march in the path of righteousness.    

  "Woke" is a cute term that can be used in the streets and within discussion groups on social media. People in today's social scene feel as if because they can correct you and make you use "new age" terms they have power. Blocking someone's freedom of speech doesn't make you a hero, but the very villain you claim to be fighting. It's as simple as being the cancer and saying that you are the cure. Critical Race Theory being taught at schools to drag queens reading to children in libraries. It's best that we don't know who's behind this madness (both for mine and your mental health).   

  Living on this planet called earth we are all active players on the ever-evolving chessboard of life. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a prime example of this analogy. Although they were those that didn't agree with Dr. King's methods or philosophy, here we in 2021: voting, working jobs of high stature, along with living in a post-segregated society. Say what you want, but Dr. King deserves every inch of praise he has received. From a federal holiday honoring his obstacles and achievements in the month of January. To winning a Noble Peace Prize (1964). A postal stamp with his face on it. Even a statue at the nation's capital. By studying Dr. King's life and understanding his role in Civil Rights I learned that it's better to be a player (no matter the cost) than a critic on the sidelines. 

  Succeeding in this game we call life is not always a simple task. Some people's hand are more complicated than others. We also have to remember that everybody plays the game of life differently and start playing at different times in their lives. As the same goes in life, it's not the piece you use it's what you do with the piece that counts.   

  I stand before you not as an outsider or a critic, but a messenger. A democrat nor a republican will save the African-American community. Nor will public figures and celebrities. The solution to all of our problems are hidden deep within all of us. The ancestors didn't die, take the whip, and work tireless days for us to remain in a failed state of existence. We are living in the most advance and power driven time in human civilization. All we as a people need to do is take heed, control the time that is given, and take charge.