Abolitionist

Sojourner Truth. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Frederick Douglass. Harriet Tubman. William Lloyd Garrison. Lucretia Mott. David Walker. There are many other names to add to that list. These are people who dedicated their lives to the eradication of slavery. Truth be told, the real reason why this was such a daunting task was because of the monetary loss that would occur if the slaves were free. It was all about money. The American economy has always been built on free black contributions. Slaves were a free labor force with minimal investment.

Unfortunately, the real issue behind reform and reparations is as economic as it is racial. We must understand who benefits from systematic racism. We must understand who benefits from prison pipelines and privatization. We must understand how gun control and law enforcement play a role in our current political climate. You can’t get rid of one system without having something else to replace it. We need think-tanks. We need allies. We need lobbyists. We need investors. We need influence. We need avocates. We need abolitionists who understand that racism needs to be eradicated.

Whisper

1 Kings 19:1 (KJV) And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 

God speaks in whispers. When we try to ignore the voice in our head, we are ignoring God. He is that small reminder, that unction, that prompts us to move. Listen to the small still voice. Listen to the whisper. 

Home

“Home is where the heart is.” We have all heard these words, and there is some truth to them. Home is not just a building. It’s where you feel loved. It’s where memories are made. It’s where you feel safe. It’s not just a city. It’s where your people reside. Where is your village? Where do you feel secure? Where do you feel protected emotionally and physically? That’s your home. Home is where you can heal. Home is where you are free. Home is where your heart can reside without fear. Home is where your heart is…

Delivery

Its not always what you say, but how you say it. I have gotten in more trouble behind my mouth than a little bit. Tact was something I did not major in, and my words often fell on deaf, misunderstood ears. I think anything can be said when its tempered with love. I always tell the kids, I would prefer a hard truth over an easy lie any day. If you find yourself misunderstood, maybe you should ask yourself, “how was my delivery?” I’m not saying its an easy change, but it might be a necessary one. Perception is reality, and delivery is all about presentation.