One Week into Black History Month 2019 & I’m Tired Already
As of today, we’re officially 7 days into Black History Month 2019 here in the US. I’m already at my limit as to what the experience has been thus far.
You maybe wondering; why is that? Well everyday (to quote a friend): has been an indelible pain of existence in this current cultural climate. Now, I like every Black person can write you a book on the Black experience. However, this year seems particularly embolden to remind us America is still wholly racist and willfully ready to ignores us.
Are you sure? Oh I’m sure! Would you like a list?
February 1st: Siempre Bruja was a lie
Netflix’s Siempre Bruja (Always A Watch) kicked off the month on the wrong foot. So many of us thought we’re going to get a good show about an Afro Latina witch, a modern day magical adventure/drama with melanin in Latin America. Ahaha oh no, what we got was another woman falling in love with her oppressor story — yuck.
I’m of the opinion that not enough Black and Brown folks looked at this show. If enough eyes looked over this, it would’ve been rejected. I’d sit here and explain why this show is a waste of time and talent. However this article(below) does a much better job than I ever could.
The show is bad. Give it one star, it’s an insult to Black excellence. I’m still fuming that Netflix had the audacity to release this during the first day of Black History Month.
February 1st: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Admits he was in Blackface 1980s photo
A 1980s photo of two young white men surfaced, one was in Blackface and the other in KKK garb. Governor Northam, on the 1st day of BHM, told us all that was him. Then, he told us that wasn’t him in the photo. Then he proceeded to admit that in the 1980s he was in Blackface at least once…OK?
Now, I’m not going to argue if Northam is racist. You know what you can’t deny is absolutely racist? Blackface folks. Black face is so damn racist everyone, literally everyone (Democrats and Republican) have no choice but to admit that. Thus Northam, has both sides calling for his resignation. Black face is so disgusting, I would say I wish it would stop. But it’s something of a tradition and regular practice among certain demographics…
February 4th: Rapper, 21 Savage is detained by ICE
This past Sunday, 21 Savage was arrested, because he was here illegally and is facing deportation. What interesting is that this arrest came days after his video for A Lot went live. As pointed out by many, the song features a verse in which he is openly critical of our immigration policies.
The reported facts are this: He came to the US as a child and has lived here since the age of seven. He left the US once for a month in 2005. He then returned to the US on an H-4 visa, yet that expired in 2006 and he didn’t have legal status since then.
What’s concerning about his story, is this helplessness against the policies of government. Here is a Black man, despite all his status and money, can seemingly do little. Except hope his legal team can help him fight this. Also, if not for the current political landscape, this wouldn’t have happened…maybe?
February 4th: Liam Neeson Admitted He Wanted To Commit Racial Violence
Via an interview for his latest film, Neeson recalls a past memory. He tells a brief story of how a friend was unfortunately sexually assaulted. He proceeds to share that he found out the rapist was a Black man and he was enraged. He was so angered, he purposely went to areas with Black people in hopes that he would get to assault someone Black.
I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody — I’m ashamed to say that — and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some [Neeson gestures air quotes with his fingers] ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could,” another pause, “kill him.
I’ll glean over the fact he wanted to commit violence against men like myself. Wait…what is that called again? Now, after this happened, he took the time to explain himself on Good Morning America. Yet, his explanation echoed very real problems we face daily.
February 6th: Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring Says He Too Wore Black face in College
Attorney General Mark Herring issued a statement that at college he went to a party in Black face, much like Governor Northam. Like I said, certain demographics love carrying on Black face tradition.
In case it seems like the state isn’t going through enough, it doesn’t stop there. Lt. Gov. Fairfax is also facing sexual allegations.
So now, Virginia is a hotbed of politicians and constituents a like asking for everyone to resign/stepdown. Most states have a LONG history with racism. The problem is that Virginia has politicians that undeniably remind the rest of America — hey we were/are/maybe racist!
February 6th: Gucci Removes Sweater Due To It Resembling Black Face
So, I’m sure you’ve seen the image above? Great. The following is Gucci’s official response.
Resembles Black Face? Ahaha, are you kidding? That’s like saying the sky looks blue. Honestly, upon further thought, this has to be blatant. Because as I’ve mentioned before in this post: Black face is tradition among these folks.
I want to ask: Are any top decision making executives with Gucci Black or People of Color?
Actually don’t answer that, we know the answer. Because if any decision makers had melanin that insulting sweater would’ve never seen the light of day.
February 5th: Alabama Attorney General rules police shooting of Emantic Bradford Jr was justified
On a more serious and very sad note, another case of injustice. Tuesday, video was released of Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr being slain by a police officer. On the same day, the officer was absolved of the death of EJ.
The report noted that the officers were not in danger but the officers saw him as a threat. He was believed to be the initial shooter. Despite the fact he was running away, he was assumed to be an the assailant
Again, a police officer will not face charges against a Black man being unjustifiably slain. Again and again this particular news shaves away from my soul. Because circumstance and reality are cold when you’re Black.
As I said friends, I’m tired and it’s just February 7, 2019 into Black History Month. Some of you maybe concerned as to how I feel right now. I feel a strange mix of angry, sad, and disappointed.
This year, I promised myself I would write more earnestly for myself. So the purpose of this article was to also get these subjects somewhere I can examine this accordingly.
This month has also provided some very interesting and noteworthy achievements for Black Month History. However that is a different kind of post that’ll come when it’s ready.
We can’t his a reset the month. So, here’s hoping the rest of this month is more than just this.
