Thank You Barack and Michelle Obama

In my feelings about this inauguration tomorrow:

My grandparents came to Cincinnati from GA and AL. They came with little to no finances. But they came with a “dream” in their heart that there was a better way of life than the segregated southern upbringing they had for their children and their children’s children. They did everything in their power to make that “dream” come true. They worked as a maid, janitors, and a school lunch lady. They drove taxis, and they washed other peoples clothes just to try and get the ends to meet. They advanced their careers and took every opportunity afforded them and ended up to working/retiring from some of America’s and the worlds largest corporations.

I can only imagine the strength that it took to endure their childhood, young adulthood, and of course adulthood… it is unimaginable. But the love and pride they exuded in every task they took on no matter large or small was undeniable. They even had the “audacity” to teach their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that same “dream” and dedication to reach their goals.

As the direct beneficiary of their “dream” and all they endured and accomplished… Tonight…. For the 1st time in my life… I imagined the fear they felt on their journey. Why tonight? Why the first time in my life? Because for the 1st time since I have been of voting age, we have a president elect that reeks of complete and utter hatred of everyone that has the courage to disagree with him. Because for the 1st time in my life I am “fearful” for my children’s future….for OUR children’s future… and for America’s future…

But like my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2

So…. tonight…. I imagined the fear of my parents…. But… tonight I also embrace the last 8 years where I witnessed the dream!!
I still call it a dream even though it HAPPENED, because tonight… like any dream…. it ends… and tonight… I choose to hold on to the dream and let go of the fear!

To my family that paved the way for me and my children… and to the greatest president and first family of these United States of America….. Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama …..THANK YOU! #yeswedid

 

It is a Movement- Black Lives Matter

The generation of the original civil rights activists asked for equal rights. The generation of the Black Lives Matter activists are demanding it. This new generation of revolutionary activists are determined to be the change this country requires. This movement is intelligent,organized, and most of all angry. The change being demanded is simple. EQUALITY. Across the board. From education to employment. From human rights to civil rights. From traffic stops to courtrooms. Oppression of the black race has never ended. Some laws and some law enforcement officers are twisted and unjustly continue this oppression unopposed. This in my opinion is the ground zero of the movement.

Social media has created a platform of consciousness.It provides an excellent avenue to quickly dispense information which is the key to awakening. Now that the black community is awake, will the community unite? Will the oppressed band together and begin to make the oppressor and those who stand by and watch the oppression (such as all politicians, employers, and even neighbors) declare where they stand? Understanding that not all of the community will support the change in equality. But once the declaration has been made either for or against does not matter. What matters is the declaration will provide a clear  expectation of action. Which allows the oppressed the opportunity to make informed decisions when voting, seeking employment, and in choosing what community to live in and support.

How arrogant is it to take a taxpayer’s money and then gun them down in the street? (federal, state, and local law enforcement) How arrogant is it to ask for the “minority” vote to get into office but do nothing for the minorities when you gain office? How arrogant is it to hire an employee and tell them your company has a strong commitment to diversity yet there are no minorities in leadership? How arrogant is it to accept money for rent from a minority and then allow the dwelling to be dilapidated? Then after all the arrogance and intentional oppression, the oppressor/privileged stand confused why this generation is so angry.

To the movement: Stay angry. Just remember to stay focused, determined and motivated to be the change.

The featured image is from the Blacklivesmatter.com art gallery. This image should spark conversation, it should encourage equality, and it should invoke integrity in us all.

Stay Woke! Black lives matter

Above is a link to the BET.com video “Stay Woke! Black Lives Matter.

blacklivesmatter.com

Above is a link to the Black Lives Matter website.

Trump Visits West Chester, Ohio

Donald Trump Rally West Chester, OH 03/13/2016
Image Courtesy of Live stream from WCPO Channel 9

This picture speaks a thousands words. What does it say to you?

The Obvious —- Grand Wizard of Stupidity
Trump is the village idiot that the closet racist put in the public eye to distract the masses. Trump did what he always does, he pulled out his one trick and spouted more of his fear inducing racist rhetoric comments, and he continues to speak around serious issues and falls back to his favorite saying “Mexico is going to pay for the wall.”

The Subtle —- Hat Wearing Supporters
Keep in mind I live 20 minutes which is approximately 15 miles from West Chester, OH. The weather in my location is exactly the same in West Chester. Several supporters are wearing visors or hats. Today is a very cloudy and rainy day. The visors and baseball caps will not keep your head dry and there is absolutely no sun. So what is it that the caps provide? Fashion statement? Possibly. Or maybe a slight veil of anonymity for the average well intending republican that has lived a privileged life and due to the ever unstable economy has felt the pressure and the pain of having that privilege threatened. The reason for so many head coverings at an indoor Trump rally on a cloudy day is not clear. But it is definitely unusual and raises several questions.

The disturbing— Young Supporters and Off Duty Law Enforcement in Uniform
I find it disturbing that the 80’s and 90’s babies are not more developed thinkers with them being the internet/information overload generation. It amazes me that the influence of their parents and grandparents still dominates their logic.

The most disturbing of the participants is the Off Duty Law Enforcement Officers who chose to wear their uniforms to the rally. This is not just disturbing it is terrifying. That visual provides a clear confirmation that some law enforcement personnel actually believe and support this hateful and selfish mentality. We however are to believe that their personal opinions will not influence how they interact and treat citizens that don’t look like them.

Teen Arrested in Ohio School Shooting

 

Another tragic school shooting. What are we allowing our children to experience that it makes them choose murder or suicide as the only option to resolve their issues? Today it has been reported that the police know this child’s motives for the shooting but have yet to disclose them. Why? I am willing to wager that bullying will be a factor.  Below is the report from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page from the day of the event.

 

Source: Butler County Sheriff’s Office (02/29/2016)

Two Students Shot, Suspect In Custody

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports at approximately 11:15 AM today, a 14 year old male, armed with a handgun, shot 2 students during lunch time at Madison High School in Madison Township, Butler County Ohio and fled the school. 2 other students were injured but not due to gun shots. All are expected to survive the ordeal. The suspect was apprehended a short time later near the school.

“This is a tragic and horrific event that you hope never happens. The deputies, first responders, and surrounding agencies acted fast and apprehended the suspect quickly. We had help come from everywhere,” said Sheriff Jones.

Butler County Sheriff’s Office detectives will continue the investigation. “We do not have a motive at this time, but we do know all the kids involved are students of Madison High School. “The shooter, 14 year old James Austin Hancock, is being charged with 2 counts of attempted murder, 2 counts of felonious assault, inducing panic and making terroristic threats, all felony charges. We have the suspect in custody and we did locate the weapon used. I would like to extend my gratitude to every agency that responded to assist and were happy to do so, we were happy they did, the parents of the students acted in an orderly fashion and we were able to get the other students released quickly and safely,” said the Sheriff.

The victims of the gun- shot wounds were flown to area hospitals. We do not know the extent of the injuries at this time.

The victim’s names are as follows:

Cameron Smith
15 year old male
Gun Shot Wound (Stable Condition)

Cooper Caffery
14 year old male
Gun Shot Wound (Stable Condition)

Brant Murray
14 year old male
Minor Injury

Katherine Doucette
14 year old female
Minor Injury

 

Editor’s note: I live in Hamilton County, OH. The county directly south of where this took place. Prayers are with all the children involved, their families and our community.

Trayvon Martin We Remember

Feb 5, 1995 – Feb 26, 2012

Today marks the unforgettable 4 year anniversary of the murder of a son, a brother, a nephew, a friend – Trayvon Martin. Rest in heavenly power Trayvon.

Today also marks the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement has sparked the uncomfortable removal of the rose colored glasses many have chose to view race relations  through in America. It has brought out the best and the worst opinions and it has captured the attention of the world.

Lastly, today marks the day Sybrina Fulton lost her baby. The strength of Ms. Fulton is nothing less than unimaginable and remarkable. Yet so many mothers and families before and unfortunately so many after have had to find the same supernatural power to live after these unthinkable tragedies.

Instead of being consumed by the injustice, Ms. Fulton channeled her grief, anger, pain, and most of all her love and began to work for the change that this country needs to have in its stereotypical views of black people. She began the Trayvon Martin Foundation. The scope of the Foundation’s mission is to advocate that crime victims and their families are not ignored in the discussions about violent crime, to increase public awareness of all forms of racial ethnic and gender profiling, educate youth on conflict resolution techniques and to reduce the incidences where confrontations between strangers turn deadly. Thank you Ms. Fulton for accepting the challenge and being a leader and example to the world of how to turn a tragedy into strategy.

The challenge for the rest of us is to face the uncomfortable conversation about race relations. The conversation must be had  with empathy, sympathy, and an open heart. We must be willing to listen, respond, and act in a way that promotes understanding, change, and unity. Will you accept the challenge?