Its all necessary. All of it. Protesters make people think about what matters. Those who think about what matters, either positive or negative, they force politicians and local officials to listen to their concerns. If folks believe that local politicians have the power to change things, better believe that if they REALLY wanted to do what you wanted, they would have done it a while ago. Agitation is what forces them to. The reminder that property does not equate to precious life, makes us think twice about what matters. Mass mobilization tells our leaders that this can not be ignored and tells allies we are with you, you are not alone. Folks need die ins, shut downs, sit ins, Folks need economic black outs, black brunches, meditations, candle lit vigils and forums... its all necessary. Movement is just as diverse as the reasons it is needed and those that can demand it. It looks like conversations with those we love and direct services for folks who matter and who need their lives and the lives of their children acknowledged. It looks like supporting businesses, individuals and places that are black owned. Its addressing all facets of black life mattering. Its addressing black lives in higher education, the health of black lives, the co-opting of black lives, the collective needs of black lives. Its acknowledging the needs of all black life, women, men, elders, children. It is honoring black life. And as someone who is not black, it is understanding that OUR justice, as latinos, pinoys, indigenous people relies on the respect, appreciation and liberation of black lives. Because if they cant get it, we definitely wont be seeing it. This is a human rights issue. This is a civil rights issue.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 06:15:55 +0000