Kwanzaa: Ujima: Black lives do matter!

• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together (wiki..)

 

I’d like to highlight the #blacklivesmatter movement for holding the sacred truths of Kwanzaa (deliberate or not). In reality, we are not far from the African American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Our fight as black people may have transition but it has not changed.

2017 saw too much black death, by a fellow brother or sister, by a cop, by leaders who abuse their power, and citizens whom are quick to pick up a pistol before having that same quickness to listen. Sometimes I think we want to see hate, and violence, and discrimination as it’s a mask energy source. As if we as a country do not know how to live in harmony and peace. Or maybe we are afraid of it

Children are not born hateful, it is taught! Allow our children dear universe, equal opportunity to play and scrap their knees with one another. For our daughters not to be discouraged because their isn’t foundation to match their skin tone. For our sons to be known for their character and to not be known for the quality of his sneakers. For our children, dear universe, to aspire to be doctors, lawyers, construction owners, business owners, chefs, inventors, cosmetologist, teachers, and preachers as well. For them, limitless is their only option.  We went to be equally recognized in the media, movies, politics, and music; equally paid not based on gender or skin tone, but on hard work.

Many are threatened by the black lives matter movement/ civil rights movement just like they were in the 50’s and 60’s. There’s not a reason for fear. We black people, minorities, and women are the ones who live in fear. We come in peace. We demand respect, do not apologize for our integrity, we do not apologize for our kinky hair, dark skin, and broad backs. We are made in the image of our father, the creator of the universe. We don’t want our children to fear going to school for the fear of being killed is so surreal. Or fathers in the morning says goodbye to his children, but in his mind, he questions “will this be my final goodbye?”

I don’t want to read about another Trans/Queer/LGBTQIA person being killed, and never given their day of justice in front of blind lady liberty. I don’t want another brother or sister who is Trans/Queer/LGBTQIA and them not be recognized as human beings with a soul and as an equal creation from our creator.

I pray that in 2018 there are no more deaths plagued by the disease or prejudice, racism, and hate. I pray that in 2018 everyone has insurance. I pray that in 2018 no one goes to bed hungry, and no one is sleeping in the winter or summer, under a bridge or on the sidewalks. I pray for change!

I also understand that those who fought and continue to fight the good fight would want us in 2018 to keep fighting, but not just for us. For anyone without a voice. I pray eventually we birth a generation that is moved past race and gender and seen as a human. I pray that our society stops viewing individuals who are not white skin, or blue eyes as different. For we are a people, with a soul, with a story, and a child of the universe; just like them.

It’s our responsibility to our fellow brothers and sisters of the good fight. to build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and to solve them together

 

Babies, hav’n babies

From I One News.

Young people are having children, yes. However, are you really ready to be a parent? What does it mean to be a parent? I’m pretty sure it’s much more than dress up. Will you be able to afford a future for them? It’s more than being young and being cute, what about when they want to go to college? What about your dreams for life? There’s nothing wrong with waiting in order to allow yourself to live the best life first, and secondly to give back to this world.

I’m speechless, when I see young people having children, because you’re just a child yourself. We have no credit, we’re relying on gov’t funds to live, sometimes working part time, and then you have to account for the illness, and stuff that can happen to your children or ones that they’ll develop. It’s the struggles of our parents, that’re being repeated. And, don’t forget when we swore to one another that we would be different. Don’t forget the promises we’ve stated to ourselves. Are you ready to struggle, put your needs aside and to parent a new born life.

My hearts heavy, as tears fall from my eyes. Young people should be young, have kids after school, travel, get married, start a career, and then have children. This is the American Dream. There’s a cycle that’s repeated, and I wonder how can it be reversed.

I’m laughed at because I’m a virgin, and am 23 years old. However, I also have a mental illness, and am diabetic. I’m not ready to bring a child into this world. I’m still learning to take care of myself. I am also newly engaged. I’m not ready for children, and the 18+ years responsibility.  I’m still living at home with my parents, they’re still buying me food. Why would I bring a child into this world, when mine is uncertain and unstable. I’m trying to be a better person, continue my education and change the world around me. I want to give my children what they need, and want. I want to provide for them a future, paying for their weddings, and college education. I don’t want to have to rely on SNAP (food stamps) and WIC; I want more.

I’m not judging, but I’m afraid that we have failed another generation. I grew up poor, sometimes going to bed hungry, my mom has mental illness, she’s unhealthy. I finally found a foster family at age 17, and I know that without them I’d be homeless, and not in college. Why bring a child into that? Why? It’s hurts the child, and me. It’s not fair.

So, what’s the answer? What’s the cure to this habitual mindset? What can we do differently? I’m not judging, I love youth and will be their for them if they were gay, pregnant, a doctor or anything. I just want youth to be able to see more for their futures, and aspire to want to give back and make a difference. I refuse to be like my biological mother. I will be different!

-PEACE