The announcement of the Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the murder of unarmed teen, Mike Brown, sparked nationwide outrage.
The 18 year old Ferguson, Missouri teen was just one of many of our Black youths who have lost their lives due to similar situations and tensions mount when no one is held accountable for the deaths.
[FLASHBACK: Mike Brown?s Mother Speaks Re: Disturbing Autopsy Reports & More? (VIDEO)]
I could barely hold back my tears when I watched the decision being read and was utterly overwhelmed by grief as the residents of Ferguson responded in anger. For the record, I don’t condone the violence… but I can’t say I don’t understand the frustration!
How many times must we sit idly by and watch another White male walk free after killing another Black teen?? Some feel that Black on Black crime is a deeper issue, and I would almost agree… except for the fact that when a Black perpetrator is brought to justice, he’s way more likely to be convicted of the crime.
[FLASHBACK: Mike Brown’s Father Issues Plea for Non-Violence In Wake of Ferguson Decision (VIDEO)]
It’s no secret that there’s an uneven distribution of ‘justice’ in America, but it’s still disappointing.? It’s also disappointing to see people burn and loot but I honestly can’t say that it wasn’t expected.
I struggled with several emotions after hearing the news and I honestly felt so discouraged by the fact that another Black youth’s death would go unpunished that I couldn’t find the will to write about it.
I’ve talked about it, argued about it, prayed about it… but I couldn’t do what I do everyday of the week, and that’s write my thoughts in black & white.
Then I heard Killer Mike’s post Ferguson decision speech and it gave me the inspiration to write this post.
Just hours after the announcement had been made in Ferguson, Killer Mike hit the stage in St. Louis where he gave a heart wrenching speech.
Mike’s words were so powerful and emotional and they adequately expressed how many of us are feeling.
I would like to say ?rest in peace? to Michael Brown, who will never get to see the next phase of his life. I would like to give all thoughts and prayers to all those out there peacefully protesting. I also give thoughts and prayers for the people who could not hold their anger in, because riots are always the language of unheard.
No matter how much we do it, no matter how much we get shit together, shit comes along and that kicks you on your ass and you don’t feel like a champion.
And tonight I got kicked on my ass, when I listened to that prosecutor. You motherfuckers got me today. I knew it was coming. I knew when Eric Holder decided to resign… I knew it wasn’t going to be good.
You kicked me on my ass today because I have a 20-year-old son, I have a 12-year-old son and I?m so afraid for them.
[FLASHBACK: Killer Mike Addresses Ferguson on Fox News… (VIDEO)]
As previously stated, there are many others who have lost their lives in similar situations as Mike Brown and while watching the burning of Ferguson is heartbreaking, that could have very well been my son, brother, cousin laying cold on the ground.
One could argue that Brown was a ‘thug’ who stole cigars… but considering the fact that his encounter with Wilson didn’t stem from him stealing (he stopped him for walking in the middle of the street), Brown’s death seems even more cold and senseless.
What’s even worse is that the Ferguson officer who pulled the trigger says his ‘conscious is clear’ and he gets to go home to his new wife. He even spoke publicly about the death of Mike Brown for the first time last night and admits that ‘his conscious is clear’…
VIDEO: Darren Wilson Interview with Stephanopoulos (11-25-14)
Again… I don’t condone the burning of Ferguson, but I understand the rage.
In the meantime, a better way to can make an impact and demand to be heard about injustices and racial inequality would be by refusing to spend during Black Friday.
Activist group ‘Blackout For Human Rights‘ is hoping this video and accompanying social media campaign will encourage ALL Americans to sit out the most rampantly consumerist day of this holiday week, Black Friday, to protest the latest in a long line of unjust killings.
We demand an immediate end to the brutal treatment and inhumane killings of our loved ones; the lives of our friends, our parents and our children have value and should be treated with respect.
Our right to life is secured not only by our humanity, but is protected by law both federally and internationally by the Constitution of the United States of America and the United Nation?s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Our hope: to end violence against and the unjust killings of fellow American citizens.
VIDEO: Blackout Black Friday November 28, 2014
FYI – BlackoutForHumanRights was founded in October by Ryan Coogler, award-winning director of Fruitvale Station, an in-depth look at the death of unarmed 22-year-old Oscar Grant at the hands of a transit officer in Oakland, Calif. in 2008.
I’m keeping my money in my pocket this week. What about you?