As a white American male, perhaps I am the least likely disseminator of racially sensitive information. But we are all sick of the suffering, tired of the mistreatment, and finished with forgiveness.
Enough is beyond enough.
Destruction of property, acts of violence, arson, or vigilante intimidation tactics should never take the place of peaceful protests. But there are moments in history when lasting change was not brought about by signs and songs.
It was demanded with muskets and malice.
We are watching the very first steps of a revolution waiting in the wings, primed for a spark. The tea kettle has long been whispering for attention, and now it’s boiling over.
But I am merely an ally and proponent for justice. The final word rightly belongs to the innocent men whose lives were disgustingly, vindictively extinguished without reason, justification, or rationale by heartless, racist cowards.
“Why do you have your guns out?” —Kenneth Chamberlain, 66
“What are you following me for?” —Trayvon Martin, 16
“I didn’t even do nothing.” —Samuel DuBose, 43
“Shoot me now. Kill me now.” —Kajieme Powell, 25
“I love you too.” —Sean Bell, 23
“It’s not real.” —John Crawford, 22
“Why did you shoot me?” —Kendrec McDade, 19
“Mom, I’m going to college.” —Amadou Diallo, 23
“I don’t have a gun. Stop shooting.” —Michael Brown, 18
“Please don’t let me die.” —Kimani Gray, 16
“You shot me. You shot me!” —Oscar Grant, 22
“I can’t breathe.” —Eric Garner, 43
“Mama!” —George Floyd, 46
Solitary Alignment 