Four Weeks to the Day

It's been exactly 4 weeks since George Zimmerman was found Not Guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin. My question is what have you done to make a difference? I can honestly say I haven't done a thing and I am ashamed.

In the last 4 weeks, I have been blessed to be able to kiss my kid goodnight EVERY  night, Trayvon's parents cannot. In the last 4 weeks, I have sent my kid off to camp and/or school and watched her come home every day, Trayvon's parents cannot.  In the last 4 weeks, I have watched the changes in my daughter , Trayvon's parents cannot. In the last 4 weeks, I have talked with my kid about her future, Trayvon's parents cannot.

I don't know what the future holds. All I can do is pray to my Heavenly Father that he will keep my family safe from harm. My hope is there won't be another George Zimmerman or another Trayvon Martin, but the reality is, if I don't stand up, there will be. Though time may help the community heal from this tragedy, we must not forget what happened and what will happen again if we don't do something about these bogus "stand your ground" type laws. Remember the term "flip the script"? I say we "flip the script" and stand our ground. We cannot rest until these laws are changed. Trayvon cannot rest in peace until these laws are changed. Will you stand with me?

NOT GUILTY, NOW WHAT?

Tonight, a huge disservice was done to the American people-George Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. I, like most people, am shocked at the verdict. My shock however is outweighed by sadness, not just because Trayvon’s admitted killer is free, but because I feel this verdict sends the wrong message.  

A NOT GUILTY verdict implies it’s okay to be accosted because you don’t look like you belong or you fit the description of someone who committed a crime. This NOT GUILTY verdict implies it’s okay to shoot someone after you lose a fistfight (even if you were the aggressor); a NOT GUILTY verdict implies it’s okay to base your actions on preconceived notions, even if they are wrong. I’m not sure what the jurors were thinking but I hope the decision didn’t come easy. Right now I bet they are rethinking everything that occurred and wondering whether or not they made the right decision. I wonder if they are even aware of how controversial the trial had been. What I do know is they are now at home with their families and friends and no doubt dealing with all sorts of emotions. My heart goes out to them for I wouldn't want to be in their shoes right now.

The upcoming week will surely bring more media coverage, more outrage, and definitely more attention to race relations in America. My hope is that the outcome of this trial will spark more fruitful debates on gun control as well as race relations because at this point, Trayvon’s death is no longer about guilt or innocence but about tolerance and sensitivity.

My prayers go out to Trayvon’s family and friends. May God’s grace and mercy see you through these hard times and offer you comfort when only HIS love will do.

Paula Deen Isn't The Only One Needing A Change

I’m still sitting here trying to understand all of the outrage behind Paula Deen’s comments. Don’t get me wrong, I’m disappointed in her because I was truly a fan but the fact that so many Blacks are expressing their discontent amazes me. I'm not justifying her use of racial slurs or making other racist remarks.  Quite frankly I'm disgusted by the whole chain of events, however, I have more of an issue with the blatant double standard from the Black community versus hearing that a White woman from the deep South has uttered the word "Nigger" from her mouth either in the past or even yesterday.

For whatever reason, some Blacks think it’s okay to use the “N” word as it’s culturally revered as a “term of endearment”. Some of our most beloved rappers are really the guiltiest; throwing the word around like it’s some type of badge of honor.   I don’t know about you, but that’s not flattery to me.  I think it’s hypocritical for us to say that it’s okay for our youth to address each other with greetings like “What’s up my N^&&a” or “N^&&a please!” or “This N^&&a here” but get angry if a Non-Black person says it. What’s the deal with that? Who in their right mind would want to be addressed that way?

 I do not understand how a word that holds such a historical semblance of hatred, now holds such cultural significance in our community today. Honestly, the word holds no power over me personally because I know who I am and from whence I came. However, I find it hard to believe my ancestors were marching so we could have the freedom to vote, the freedom to eat where we chose, also wanted us to have the freedom to refer to each other with the same racial epitaph that was once used to justify Jim Crow.

While most people that use this reference really mean no harm, it’s actually doing more harm than we know. See when we run around town referring to one another as Niggas, Bitches and Hoes, we are unknowingly giving everyone around us permission to do the same. I can’t stand the word, I don’t care who uses it. It’s degrading, derogatory and offensive yet we only find harm in it when someone of another race says it. How stupid is that? Better yet, how stupid are we?

Is the location of the President's Memorial Day Speech really that important?

Some people are upset that President Obama has decided to make the Memorial Day speech at Lincoln National Cemetery (Illinois) instead of Arlington National Cemetery. So what else is new.? This man cannot win. It doesn't matter what he does, he is constantly criticized and ridiculed to no end. I, like many, understand the significance of The Arlington National Cemetery but I'm not sure why it matters that he has chosen to deliver his speech elsewhere. I would however be concerned if the President chose to skip the speech altogether which simply isn't the case.

As Americans, we have to choose our battles wisely and always, at least when possible, present a united front. The disrespect and ignorance this Presidency endures is disheartening and blatantly racist. At a time of war and economic downturns, we should be focusing on strengthening our presence to world by coming together on issues we agree on and having intelligent discussions on the issues we don't. How hard is that? I wonder how many of the President's critics actually visit the Arlington National Cemetery every year on Memorial Day to hear this speech anyway????

Finally, a President who cares; so why all the controversy?

I watched the President Obama's speak to young America yesterday and I'm trying to wonder why was there so much controversy surrounding the speech. I know that racism exists in this country and probably always will as long as idiots exist, but how long must the political ignorance continue. I know there are many who don't agree with his politics and that's their right. But are people really so stupid as to think he would push a political agenda through our children. I was almost ashamed of some of the people interviewed in Georgia. I heard everything from "He's pushing a socialist agenda" to "He's a communist", to "I don't want my children to be forced to hear about health care reform". What child cares about going to the doctor or how he gets paid. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Should American children aka the leaders of tomorrow really be forced to suffer at the hands of stupid and ignorant parents? Please don't get me wrong, as a parent, I understand the need, want, and the right to protect our children but not allowing them to hear from the current leader of the country on any topic is ridiculous.

America is a wonderful place that allows us the freedom to disagree with our government and make our voices heard, but at what cost. Let's be honest, our educational system needs lots of improvements. Some school systems in the state of Georgia only have a graduation rate of 50%, that's crazy. I love that we have a leader who takes the current education crisis seriously and feels the urgency in preparing our children to enter the real world someday. Why is the city of Atlanta forced to impose a curfew during school hours for children between the ages 6-17 just to deter crime? Shouldn't parents know where their children are during the day anyway? I know kids will be kids and you can't control their every move but what ever happened to setting expectations? My mother never expected me to be a genius but she let me know that quitting wasn't an option. As a single parent, she worked a lot to support us but that was never an excuse. If she couldn't help me with my homework, my aunt who was only 10 years older than me would. Though she couldn't volunteer at the school like some parents, or attend PTA meetings, she was always involved. Isn't that what parents are supposed to do?

Our children deserve to know someone cares and believes in them. If more parents took responsibility and showed more interest in their children's education, a pep talk from the President wouldn't even be necessary. Unfortunately, some children don't have the benefit of parents with sense, so if the President has to be the one to say it, hey I'm all for it.