I said I was not going to write about it because I have discussed this topic more times than I can count. And I arrived at the point long ago where I am convinced that people are going to either accept the truth or they are going to spend the majority of their time redirecting it to fit their “cozy” narrative.
When Nike debuted their new face of their 30th Anniversary, “Just Do It” campaign this week, the internet nearly exploded. Half rejoicing. And the other half in a full blown tizzy.
It was comical.
Folks burning sneakers and apparel that they have already paid for. Folks posting numbers to the Nike hotline so they could call and complain to the automated system. Folks equating what Nike did to treason.
Still, I had no plans to address it, publicly. I had no plans to create a status about it. No plans to have a discussion. No plans to write this post. Until I saw a particular status that lauded the most asinine remark about Colin Rand Kaepernick that I had ever seen…
“…this man has done more to DIVIDE our country than any traitor in history.”
Bruh.
More?
Traitor?
History?
Say what now?!
Did I just read that right? Kap has done more to divide us than anyone, IN HISTORY? IN THE HISTORY of the world, Craig?!
Not those who owned plantations.
Not hate groups.
Not the alt-right.
Not members of the government.
Not racists who pitched a tent of comfort during President Obama’s eight years.
Not the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
But Colin Rand Kaepernick.
Excuse me while I chuckle.
This is truly comical.
However, as soon as I stop laughing I am reminded how sad it truly is. We live in a time where people are more concerned about a flag than the people who fight for it. We live in a time where people are more concerned about folks taking a knee than the people who sacrificed their knees for their freedom. We live in a time where people are more concerned about controlling the who, what, when and how more than the why.
{Oh yes, I have time today.}
And I thought I was over it, as far as addressing it goes, until I read that status. And it reminded me that even when I desire to be quiet because I feel like my vocal thoughts will fall on deaf ears that I have an obligation to speak up and demand to be heard. While my words may not sink in, they will know that I will not be silent just because that is their desire for my life.
You see, I ain’t going nowhere and we, as in black people, ain’t going nowhere either.
Want to know why? Cause believe it or not, black people are the most patriotic folks on this Earth.
Yes, you read that right and I will say it again – black people are the most patriotic people on this Earth. And it has nothing to do with the colors red, white and blue or stars and stripes.
We were brought here.
Against our will.
Enslaved.
Murdered.
Abused.
Abandoned.
Beaten.
Humiliated.
Raped.
Separated.
Ostracized.
Criticized.
Lynched.
Belittled.
Chastised.
Trapped.
Broken.
Yet, 4oo plus years later, we are still willing to stand on the front lines and fight for rights that we were “promised” over a century ago.
We are still marching.
We are still voting.
We are still protesting.
We are still bucking the system.
We are still serving.
We are still fighting.
In a country and for a country that put a system into place before we were “free” to ensure that most of us would never experience true freedom in our lifetime.
We are wearing uniforms to protect and serve.
We are running in burning buildings to ensure others safety.
We are fighting wars abroad when there are wars to fight at home.
We are having conversations to spark change.
We are seeking inclusion in government to have a voice at the table.
We are uniting because deep down we know we are stronger together than apart.
So if you are mad now, just stay there.
This revolution will be televised, streamed and recorded.
You ain’t seen nothing yet.
