Opinion | Law Jones
Dear Alchemists,
I wish I could tell you the state of the black man in America was as “solid as a rock,” like a Rhythm and Blues, 1980’s jam by Ashford and Simpson or that the black man was “black by popular demand,” as the 1990’s black apparel boldly displayed, but I am burdened with the truth and lies of my country ‘tis of thee [of thee I sing] and I must lay this at your feet.
Another unarmed black male was shot and killed today. The where and when doesn’t matter. What does matter? As a black man, I can express to you that I’ve become numb to the headlines. I have had to sever the nerve (yes, even the last one) to preserve my sanity because even now “my fellow Americans” deny my brothers basic human, I’m sorry, inalienable rights.
You’re not really an American of black or brown skin if you haven’t questioned the we in “we the people,” or felt its pale, cold and privileged wind. Have you ever?-- to quote our sister Tarana Burke, “me too.” Perhaps we can address the implications of we, in its original context, you know back when America was allegedly, dare I say, great. Before former president Donald Trump said so.
The list of the unsung stretches far beyond the color of our skin and content of our character. The ghost of Martin cries for the fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, and cousins slain in the streets with only an apology to comfort those who survive them. We gathered in the streets, in the name of the recent murders of Botham Jean, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, still reeling at the unclaimed justice for our sisters Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police. As a black man I am resolute in the justified “by any means necessary” doctrine of our brother Malcolm.
The ghost of the 14-year-old Emmitt Till waits to comfort those who have had the unfortunate encounter with the pretentious white woman, now universally known as Karen. Today another black man was unjustly accused by a white woman. Surprise? No, not yet. Me either. The cry of the wolf has transformed from the pages of fairytales to far more dangerous and life changing consequences.
‘When They See Us,’ a Netflix mini series that highlights the willful false accusation and incarceration of five young black males, the Central Park Five, now known as the Vindicated Five is just another instance of weaponized white privilege, aimed at black men. For many, this is an expectation. We forgo the question of “if,” but “when.” Our dinner table conversations now include topics of mutual consent, hands-up-don’t-shoot, hands positioned at ten and two, don’t resist, and if she can’t use your comb, don’t bring her home.
Alchemists understand the conversation of race and the disparities that exist for people of color in our country is ongoing. For black men, the unpacking undoubtedly will last a lifetime. The road to victory is yet stoney. While Dr. King sleeps eternally his dream is manifested in every black man who endeavors to be more than he was yesterday. It is a journey of self discovery, sustainability, brotherhood, and rests solely on being a black man.
Lawrence Jones (43),a Miami, Florida native, photographer/photojournalists, United States Marine Corps Veteran, retired after 20 yrs; completed 4 combat tours, and a recent graduate of HBCU Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville North Carolina, completing his Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media Studies with a minor in English & Literature. Professionally, Lawrence is an educator at the secondary education level.
Currently, Lawrence serves as host of the podcast “ On Being a Black Man: A collection of black male narratives, now streaming on all podcast platforms. Together, Father and son team up to discuss, celebrate, and laugh a little while doing a deep dive into the narratives of black men navigating life in the 21st century; exploring impactful influences, life lessons, media representation and presentation against the landscape of American culture in an era of Black Lives Matter. Follow Law on Instagram @ByLawPhotoZ
Website: onbeingablackman.com
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