BLACK LIVES MATTER
- Jul 12, 2016
- 3 min read
The "Black Lives Matter" movement never intended to disregard, disrespect or deny the value of all life throughout the world. Contrarily, it believes in the sanctity of all life and cultures and promotes freedom of oppression, racism and injustice. Diversity as well as commonalities is respected, honored and celebrated.
"The Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folks’ contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression (www.blacklivesmatter.com)."
In a country where racism is alive and well, according to The Honorable Mark Dayton, Minnesota Governor, the "Black Lives Matter" movement celebrates the many contributions globally in medicine, engineering, sciences, architecture, education and astronomy just name a few. The achievements and inventions of 'blacks' matter because they have made our communities, nation and the world a better place.
The movement affirms the strength, power and femininity of black women as Queens free from sexism, misogyny, and male chauvinism. Furthermore, this peaceful movement demands justice, peace and liberation for black people, and by extension, for all cultures, all ethnicities and our way of life.
I am appalled by the excessive force by the Police that was used on Alton Sterling and Philando Castile which resulted in their demise. Sadly, if these atrocities were not recorded on video, the world would not have known about these extreme acts of police brutality. There are so many other racially profiled indictments by law enforcement against black people that are not discussed because it didn't make the news.
I am as equally appalled and outraged by the assassination of five white police officers in Dallas, TX. who had nothing to do with the events in Minnesota or Louisiana. I grieve with the families who will bury their loved ones. Micah Johnson doesn't represent me as a black man, my ideals or Christian beliefs. He most certainly does not represent the "Black Lives Matter" movement. He was a mentally disturbed extremist and community terrorist who was allowed to purchase assault guns (this is another conversation). Regardless of his reasons, he acted on his own and his actions were deplorable.
Where do we go from here?
While the "Black Lives Matter" movement has sparked the conversation and called attention to the problem of racism in the United States of America, the Protestant and Catholic Church must come together and fight for justice for all Americans. This is an American problem that can only be addressed through mutual respect, love, prayer and action. This American problem can be addressed by the church getting involved on the school boards, town hall meetings and civic gatherings. This American problem can be addressed by the church taking her seat at the table where decisions are made politically. The American problem can be solved by the church walking the streets of our inner city neighborhoods in prayer and meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the residents. The American problem can be solved by the church fighting to get prayer back in the schools! God gave us a voice so we must use it and not be silent. God gave us hands so we can serve with them. God gave us feet so we can go and meet people where they are and share the love of Christ.
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