Black First: An Essay
The magic and brilliance of Blackness are often overlooked and cast to the side. It will never be seen as the crime against humanity that it is. It’s unfortunate yet expected. I often wonder what it was like to live during the civil rights era— the era of Dr. King, Malcom X, Medgar Evers, Assata Shakur, Fred Hampton, and others who believed in the liberation of Black people. I would be remiss if I did not say that this is our time in history to make a stand. Political violence has always been an inescapable aspect of the Black experience. It’s been there since the beginning. While I don’t condone violence of any kind, it’s often been brought to the doorstep of Black people throughout American history. It is neither wise nor honorable to be ignorant of the past. Historical context is paramount. White supremacist ideas have always and continue to be a danger to Black society. There is nothing new under the sun in America. The sanitization of White supremacy and its relics is an open assault on the livelihood and well-being of my people.
Recent events in America have highlighted an ever-growing divide. The war of words and ideas has spilled into the streets. The talk of race wars and reckless instigation from the current Administration has only elevated the temperature. They’ve made a martyr out of someone who furthered this divide. Indifference does not mean endorsement, just as death does not erase the ills in one’s life. It would appear that blind allegiance to the misinterpretations of American Christianity has led many to show grace to a white supremacist and his cause. These same people have looked the other way when confronted with anti-Black hate crimes and the atrocities in Gaza. This is the same religion that those who propagate hate used and continue to use to justify chattel slavery, intolerance, and genocide, including the assault on democracy today. I’m careful not to indict the faith as a whole, although I personally feel it has created more conflict between us than it has ever solved.
Threats were illogically levied against HBCUs when the perpetrator didn’t align with their agenda. Those in power, under the veil of faux spirituality, would rather push for statues, unhinged forced mourning, and a national day of remembrance for someone who believed I was better off enslaved instead of bringing the country together. I will not utter his name in this composition. They chose to memorialize a bigot in the name of the Lord, who made it clear he believed Black people should be at the bottom of the social and economic order. His crass words regarding the intelligence of Black women are unforgivable as they are simply untrue. His words resonated with many across this nation, many of whom believe they are Christians. Where are the morals? Where is this love of Jesus they mindlessly espouse, yet do not extend? This is America. This has always been America for Black people.
Despite all we’ve faced and continue to face in this country, we still rise to the occasion every day. The love of self and each other is needed now more than ever. For the sake of our children and those who will come after us, we must continue to move forward, intentionally confronting the issues that plague our society. Being Black first doesn’t mean other lives aren’t valuable as well. With each careful step, we’re creating history. The generations after us will judge us for the actions we take today. Choosing to make a difference in the face of mounting opposition is what makes us special. We’re resilient, strong, and proud. The fight for justice and equality continues.