What We Have Learned?
In a WHYY radio broadcast interview with Jill Leovy, author of Ghettoside: A True Story Of Murder In America, Jill exposed that close to 75% of all murders in America [15,614], were Black males; an astonishing fact, considering that we represent somewhere between 13-20 percent of America's population. Of all those, murders, 80 percent of those murders has gone by unsolved, or its perpetrators never brought to justice: Of course, this includes the murders of young Black males in Ferguson, Missouri [a place near Dred Scott/subject of Dred Scott v. Sanford] and other places around the United States, at the hands of police; with many victims unarmed and claimed to be "resisting arrest," and yet these acts are not considered as an excessive use of force by the powers that be. If you look back at the Segregative time period in America, you will find that many of the hooded, clandestine Klu Klux Klan members were local officers in law enforcement, military, and ex-military men.
In a book called, Black Police in America by W. Marvin Dulaney, Marvin writes:
“ By 1910, African Americans had literally disappeared from southern police forces.
In that year the United States Census Bureau reported only 576 Blacks serving as
police officers in the United States, most of whom were employed in northern cites.
In the South, only four Texas cities—Houston, Austin, Galveston and San Antonia—
and Knoxville, Tennessee continued to employ African Americans as police. There
was not a single black officer in the Deep South states of South Carolina, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Political tokenism would dominate the experi-
ence of Black police in northern cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia for more than
a half-century. On the surface it appeared that Blacks could overcome the usual racism
that denied them police employment by relying on the political patronage system that
provided other American ethnic groups government jobs. Indeed, their participation
in northern political machines enabled a few African Americans to win appointment to
northern police departments. Just as in the South, however, racism was still the primary
factor limiting the number of African-American police officers, and racism also ensured
that their status would be little more than tokenism.”
It becomes obvious by statements above, that racism, bigotry, and superiority—not equality—nor to protect and serve the Black communities in which they were stationed, were the ideas that dominated those White officers’ minds; these types of officers asserted control over the precincts in our Black communities; the Black officers were mere tokens. Like in Ferguson, young Black men—from the Segregation Era (1910-1939) up until the Civil Rights Movement—were subject constantly to being pulled-over, stopped, harassed, frisked or beaten and killed, by White police officers or their Black counterparts. The second Civil Rights Movement came about, as a result of the discrimination brought on by the Jim Crow Laws following Reconstruction (or the first Civil Rights Movement for Blacks). As one could see from the movie, Selma—in many parts of the South, a Black person couldn’t even vote, without answering a series of hard questions to a White voting official [which I know that’s hard for many of you to imagine/since many of you don't even vote]. Black people were only trying to gain political control over the politics within their own areas, so electing conscious folk to bring this about seemed the more prudent move. . .
The northern migration of Blacks into the big cities of the industrialized North, had Blacks competing for some of the same jobs as Whites in the same areas. This angered many Whites; since most believed themselves to be superior to Blacks and therefore they felt there should be no question as to who should get the jobs. . . During the end of Segregative Era, the Great Depression came [1939], and with it, inflation and hard times. We are currently in a recession, at this very moment! Very often, a depression follows a recession.
A depression is a state of severe despondency and dejection; bad ideas about losing it all—as well as thoughts of disenchantment and disenfranchisement which fills the heads of the masses. Of course, if you were in charge of American society and your people part of its' ruling class—you would expect some covert preferential treatment for your race, should jobs became scarce; wouldn't you? So why should we believe anything less, on the part of Whites? Just because you put on a uniform, doesn't mean it changes your mind. . . How did they convince us of this? Does Hollywood have anything to do with this? What a Svengali move! Ideologies can quickly develop into policies, and policies quickly develops into politics and procedures; regardless of whether one wears a cloak, sheet, or a robe. As I said before, "You don't lose your attitude or ideology, just because you put on some society uniform." And I've noticed in the past, whenever the economy goes bad—and Whites are slightly inconvenienced—frequent lashings-out, lynching and travesties occur against Blacks, at the hands of Whites in America (uniformed, cloaked or uncloaked).
Many of you find this hard to believe or see, because you come from an era where these attitudes are not out in the open. Many of you come from an era—where some of America's children—whose forefathers founded this country; do not feel the way that their ancestors did. So, as a result, you secure yourself in the knowledge that you are part of this young generation; and the young (on a whole) don't feel that way. This is your time; your time is now and you have something to say: The now generation—of mostly young Blacks, Whites, Brown, Reds and Yellows—aren't on that wavelength [thus the reason for the transistor radio symbol used in my last article: Retrospect]; and therefore the results will be different. But as my persons pointed out in the last article; Plato said: You should study things in its infancy, as to gain the clearest of understanding of what the outcome will be! Yes, you represent the future of the world—but you aren't in the driver's seat, yet; The older Americans and their traditions are what you are up against—and their attitudes aren't changing no time soon: Better recognize! If you had more solidarity, maybe you could make a bigger dent in the machine, but the truth is—your attitude, your individualism, and you spirit of revolt—was all forged somewhere in the tradition of your parents!
A depression is a state of severe despondency and dejection; bad ideas about losing it all—as well as thoughts of disenchantment and disenfranchisement which fills the heads of the masses. Of course, if you were in charge of American society and your people part of its' ruling class—you would expect some covert preferential treatment for your race, should jobs became scarce; wouldn't you? So why should we believe anything less, on the part of Whites? Just because you put on a uniform, doesn't mean it changes your mind. . . How did they convince us of this? Does Hollywood have anything to do with this? What a Svengali move! Ideologies can quickly develop into policies, and policies quickly develops into politics and procedures; regardless of whether one wears a cloak, sheet, or a robe. As I said before, "You don't lose your attitude or ideology, just because you put on some society uniform." And I've noticed in the past, whenever the economy goes bad—and Whites are slightly inconvenienced—frequent lashings-out, lynching and travesties occur against Blacks, at the hands of Whites in America (uniformed, cloaked or uncloaked).
Back in the era of both Civil Rights Movements (Reconstruction and the Movement of the sixties), the adverse behavior towards Black people was quite overt. Discrimination was obvious, as were remnants of the Jim Crow mentality and ideology [please re-read my past few articles in this blog]. The people rebelled—both Black and White—while others took less obtrude and obtuse angles. The Hippies and Flower children rebelled against their rich parent's inhumanity; especially overseas where big corporations farm out our work to other countries—where the labor is cheap and the people are treated as subhuman. The Flower Children were conscientious objectors against the US participation war in Vietnam. They protested colonization and the exploitation of third world people. They tried hard to look at the world as one human family in peace and love. They wore and passed out flowers to all passers by and meditated on sidewalks and lawns. While on the other hand, our people were being intimidated by the Klan in the South, red-lined and discriminated against by bigoted elements in the North; often being punked and intimidated, and forcibly placed in ghettos, throughout the United States. Back then, there were few melting pot places like New York City, but even they had their ethnic concentrations, ghettos and regressed spots. . . It was actions like these, that brought on the second Civil Rights Movement (under the direction of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, George Jackson, Stokely Carmichael, Southern Christian Leadership Council [SCLC], Nation of Islam, Black Panther Party, Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee [SNCC], and several grass roots groups) which sprung up out of the attitudes, sentiments, and ideologies of the people. Up until the sixties, there was tolerance of the inequities, but after that—no more! The States erupted, and the secret services [FBI and CIA], had to work hard at putting it back in line.
The reason why I mentioned so many singers in the last article, is because they don't become successful unless they are saying the things people want to hear. In every era, in order to maintain their status as superstars, they must write things that reflect public opinion; witty words that reflect how people feel about things: They must be on the same wavelength [another reason for the transistor radio]. Successful artists say the things we can relate to, in a way that we can relate. Their words reflect the times! Just compare these lyrics from the following artists in the sixties vs. the public opinion during that time:
Love is but a song to sing, fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Though the bird is on the wing, and you may not know why
Come on people now, smile on your brother
Everybody get together, try to love one another
Right now
Some may come and some may go, we shall surely pass
When the one that left us here, returns for us at last
We are but a moment's sunlight, fading in the grass
( Chorus: twice)
If you hear the song I sing, you will understand (listen!)
You hold the key to love and fear, all in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both, It's there at your command
Come on people now, smile on your brother
Everybody get together, try to love one another
Right now
( Repeat: thrice)
"Get Together" by The Youngbloods
-----------------------------------
Mother, Mother; There's too many of you crying
Brother, Brother, Brother; There's far too many of you dying.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today: Yeah.
Father, father; We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer; For only love can conquer hate.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today: Yeah.
Picket lines, and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on, Yeah, What's going on
Ah, what's going on
In the meantime; Right on, Baby
Right on, Right on
Father, father everybody thinks we're wrong;
Oh, but who are they to judge us; Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today
Oh
Picket lines, and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on, Yeah, What's going on
Ah, what's going on
In the meantime; Right on, Baby
Right on, Right on
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
Ideas, defined, represent a concept, thought, or suggestion as to a possible course of action; suggesting aim or purpose. Ideologies are a system of ideas and ideals; especially one that forms the basis of thinking and manner characteristic of a group's (or social class) economic or political theory and/or policy; its' visionary speculation, etc. There's a saying all over in the East; reflected in the Biblical phrase: "As a man thinketh, so is he" [Proverbs 23:7]. Ideas are a telling sign for a group, as well as an individual. I know that one has to put their theories to the test, to see what the results manifest; but don't blow smoke up your butt. If it stinks, be honest with yourself; that way, this can all be a positive education that will correct all errors: But you will never learn the truth, if you're quick to play the "blame someone else" game, you will never get to its resolution, if you do not consider the part you played in the demise.
A lot of you may have played paint ball, but never thought about the planting the flag/capturing the flag concept. In war, there is a man who carries the flag, called the standard bearer or the color guard. The color guard carries the flag during the war. Now everyone else on the battlefield carries a major assault weapon, but the standard bearer only carries a pistol. A pistol? A pistol. The flag is image of the people; the standard, principle and ideology of that group of people; that nation. Should the standard bearer get shot, the flag must never touch the ground. Should he die, another soldier must take up the standard and keep it high and waving on the battlefield. Should he die, another must take up the standard, until the last man standing. This is both symbolic and literal at the same time: All our recognized leaders had a profound sense of belonging; a profound sense of love for our people. What is missing today, is that belonging; and with it—our previous standards and morals become lost:
Don't let me down, don't let me down
Don't let me down, don't let me down
Nobody ever loved me like she does
Oh, she does; yeah she does
And if somebody loved me like she do me
Oh, she do me, yes she does
Don't let me down, don't let me down
Don't let me down, don't let me down
I'm in love for the first time
Don't you know it's gonna last
It's a love that lasts forever
It's a love that had no past (Seeking past)
Don't let me down, don't let me down
Don't let me down, don't let me down
And from the first time that she really done me
Oh, she done me, she done me good
I guess nobody ever really done me
Oh, she done me, she done me good
Don't let me down, hey don't let me down
Heeee, don't let me down
Don't let me down, don't let me down
Don't let me down, don't let me down
"Don't Let Me Down" by The Beatles
Another thing you have learned through my writings, is the similarity and difference between England and America. America is a colony of England which seceded from its mother country; and it is this spirit of rebellion which typifies America. It took several years to form the United States, because all states believe in the independence of their states as well. This is their idea of Freedom; but life shows us that things are interdependent. . . But the difference between the American revolution, and the rebellion of people who live in America—is that America did not break away from European tradition; it merely modified its rules to fit other considerations. For example, England discriminates according to class, America discriminates according to color. Paul McCartney, member and prolific writer for The Beatles, had been a millionaire for over thirty years—yet he was only officially referred to as working class until he was knighted in March 11, 1997. Both countries believe that a subjugated people are never equal to a free person; no matter to how things appear. The only exception is, that the queen can release you from your class restriction by be knighting a person. It has been four hundred and fifty-nine years, and two Civil Rights movements—and we still do not have equal rights; because unlike the queen, the America government has not brokered equal rights for Blacks after slavery. The American population has bigoted, stereotypical views of Blacks because we were subjugated and they will not let us live that down; regardless to how it may appear.During the sixties we met two of our standard bearers; who fought tirelessly for our civil rights. Their names were Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X [Malik Al Hajj Shabazz. They were two activists who selflessly lived for the love of our people. They were two sides of the same coin. King's family was well to do, Malcolm was street petty thief who saw the light. Neither took on government jobs, or took a payoff. They were bonded by a common experience and a sense of belonging to a people in diaspora. Our people are our people, no matter what tribe or country they are stationed, Marcus Garvey taught that. You have to uphold the banner, uplift the race and constantly think of how we can improve our lives in this place they called the wild-er-ness of North America. The other side of Garvey's coin was W. E. B. DuBois. He believed in a so-called Talented Ten(th) of our people would improve our lot in America—but the Father of the Five Percent Nation stated, We don't need leaders, only leadership as a people: Meaning, we should not rely on a few, all Black men should think for themselves and be vanguards and ambassadors for our communities to uplift our people out of our condition in America.
opposition. [Never did these haters realize that
M. L. K. and MaLiK's power came from the love for their people.] Anyway, Malcolm and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King were Standard-bearers. If we had leadership and a strong sense of belonging as a people, when our two leaders fell, two would have taken their place; but that's not what happened: The next leaders in line saw how they could have individually profit from the situation and let the movement suffer: Despite, the "million people" marches and the political jobs gained in Atlanta. Everyone acting individualistically in an army is a dangerous proposition!
People like Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey got the words independence and individualism mixed up. Just because you have the finances as an individual, that does not make you independent—if you don't own the land, run the country, or have acquired your wealth from the people who own the land. That type of money comes with terms and stipulations—which makes rich Blacks like bill and Oprah somewhat token, a figurehead; or in some cases, sell-outs. Sometimes the paper tiger tries to flex like he's not, and find himself denied access in the bidding consideration, or wound up in the press under the scandal column. Except for the sellout, there's nothing wrong with taking the money—but when you operate as an individual, and not a conglomerate, or with a sense of belonging to the people you come from; What sympathy do you expect [Hey, O. J. Simpson/Kobe Bryant]?
Now as long as we have been emancipated, and have had Black police, why do you still need White officers functioning in a leadership capacity within ghettoes and lopsidedly non-White areas; when they often come from more affluent areas and bring that air of White superiority and bigotry with them? The answer is simple: There has been token numbers of Blacks appointed on various police squads throughout the country and decades, but none were reportedly placed in a controlling capacity until NYPD Precinct Commander, Lloyd Sealy in the 28th Precinct in Harlem in 1963 and NYPD Police Captain, Joyce A. Stephen in 1994. That is a long time, not to have someone whose Black, in an executive capacity—working in predominately Black community. Situations like this, requires trust in another race which does not have a chronology favorable to such a trust. Most Black males do not have the same treatment or view of officers, as their White counterparts. Monitoring and surveillance? Yes. Protect and serve? No.
This trust has to be earned. Besides, our destiny should not rely on the auspices of another race. In the past, they were hooded; today they are uncloaked and testifying that, They fear for their lives. Subjugation: Plain and simple. However, this article is not about crying victim; It is about gaining a sense of belonging and a love for the people from which you come. I think it starts here. The events in Ferguson would have never took the turns it did, if it weren't for the concerns of others from our group. This single act shows two things: That we can identify with each other; be concerned about what is happening to us overall. How can I say that? Because when our young Black males saw what was happening to others in Ferguson, they became sympathetic—not apathetic. There wasn't a disconnect, and that's a good thing. Apathy is what happens when you do not identify with each other. Apathy is the sign of no love; not seeing yourselves as the people this is affecting. Malcolm once said of this:
"The people from the British West Indies go to London, and those
from the French West Indies go to Paris. And it has put France
and England since World War II in the precarious position of
having a sort of a commonwealth structure that makes it easy for
all of the people in the commonwealth territories to come into
their country with no restrictions. So there's an increasing number
of dark-skinned people in England and also in France.
When I was in Africa in May, I noticed a tendency on the part
of the Afro-Americans to, what I call lolly-gag. Everybody else who
was over there had something on the ball, something they were doing,
something constructive. For instance, in Ghana, just to take Ghana as
an example. There would be many refugees in Ghana from South Africa.
But those who were in Ghana were organized and were serving as
pressure groups, some were training for military -- some were being
trained in how to be soldiers, but others were involved as a pressure
group or lobby group to let the people of Ghana never forget what's
happening to the brother in South Africa. Also you'd have brothers
there from Angola and Mozambique. Their every move would still
be designed to offset what was happening to their people back home
where they had left.
The only difference on the continent was the American Negro. Those
who were over there weren't even thinking about these over here.
This was the basic difference. The Africans, when they escaped
from their respective countries that were still colonized, they didn't
try and run away from the problem. But as soon as they got where
they were going, they then began to organize into pressure groups
to get governmental support at the international level against the
injustices they were experiencing back home."
Malcolm X-After the Bombing/Speech at Ford Auditorium
February 14, 1965
One of the things I've noticed concerning the fifties and the sixties is the level of bigotry, prejudice and discrimination. Segregation ended roughly at he end of the fifties—and it went out with a bang! That bang, was the Civil Rights Movement, the Freedom Now [Uhuru Sasa] portion of the Pan African Movement, and other grass roots groups. Here is where the words, "Negro" and "Colored," were replaced with the word Black and then we had to be told that, "Black is Beautiful" (which implied that socially in America that the words Black and ugly were commonly used). Then came the frequent use of the term "brothers" and "being cool," "smooth," and having "soul." Not to mention, the sense of being "Black"—and "being proud," like a James Brown record ["Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud"]. We were on the mend from the racial abuse that Dick Gregory and Richard Pryor spoke of in wry comedic humor. There was a sense of belonging, as well as a sense of betrayal—expressed in terms such as, "sell-out," "token," and "wannabe." The terms were being set for being "Black."As said earlier: All our recognized leaders had a profound sense of belonging; a profound sense of love for our people. What is missing today is that, "belonging," and with it—our standards and morals have been lost. I agree that, We don't need leaders, but solidarity or leadership as a people. This requires that we see ourselves as the same people all over the United States and beyond. . . What I think has happened, since King's assassination is part fear, and part wishful-thinking, on the part of Black folks. As soon as Civil Rights movement and Dr. King and brokered some of modifications in America civil law, such as the desegregation of public places—such as buses, hospitals, schools and places to eat or the workplace [where Whites frequented], many Blacks were willing to let bygones be bygones and settle with the idea that things will get better. Then, when J. Edgar Hoover and the CIA started their aggressive moves against the Black, which mysteriously ended in the deaths of many Civil Rights leaders, many Blacks tolerated the injustices silently, but taught their children of America's double standards. . . Yet most Blacks still believed in the idea that things will get better, if we give American society more time. These acts make me consider that by killing our leaders, it signaled to our people to desist our protests and be thankful that Whites aren't being as racially aggressive as they used to be. . .
After 1969 until today, most Blacks in America will agree that our people do not have Civil Rights comparable to Whites; but few are willing to fight for the instilling of them. This passive ideology eventually led to no discussions with their children concerning inequities, double standards, the proper outlook and navigation skills by their later Baby Boomer parents [1950-1960] which led to the impression that the coast is clear—so to speak [that White superiority and racism is dead/Whites just need time to grow up]; but Ferguson tells us a different story. I personally consider that the remaining ministers of SCLC Ralph (Abernathy, Andrew Young, and company), turned their back on the Civil Rights progress, took higher paying jobs, made secret deals and sold us out. That is why I don't believe in those who survived it. Thus, I am pleased that our young Black men in Ferguson and other places where police killings have escalated, who have chosen to allow counsel with Dick Gregory; and not Al Sharpton. These are new times and a new day. But most of all, I'm digging the brotherhood, camaraderie and thinking for themselves about shaping their future: It's about protecting and furthering our interests; because they couldn't have begun treating us this way, if we didn't depend on them so much [jobs, citizenship, etc], and love each other more:Yet it seems like the beginnings of leadership as a people [Egalitarian decisions by committee]—we will have to support them while we wait and see.
Thank you for your consideration,
C. Be'er la Hai-roi Myers
One love;
Peace and love.
Peace and love.
Hey baby, what you know good
I'm just getting back, but you knew I would
War is hell, where will it end
When will people start gettin' together again
Are things gettin' better, like the newspapers said
What else is new my friend, besides what I read
Can't find no work, can't find no job my friend
Money is tighter than it's ever been
Say man, I just don't understand
What's going on across this land
Ah, What's happening brother,
Oh ya, what's happening my man
Are they still gettin' down where we used to go and dance
Will our ball club win the pennant,
do you think they have a chance
And tell me friend, how in the world have you been
Tell me what's out and I want to know what's in
What's the deal man, what's happening
What's happening brother
Ah what's happening brother
What's been shaken up and down the line
I want to know cause I'm slightly behind the time.
"What's Happening Brother" by Marvin Gaye
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