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| Fuck General Custer |
(Here's an article I recently had published)
I've written about the need to end gun violence in the past and for some reason, I’m drawn back to the pain I feel internally whenever I read about violence taking the lives of so many. In case you haven’t heard, over the July 19th weekend, gun violence erupted in Chicago injuring 40 people and killing at least four. One of the four to be killed was 11-year-old Shamiya Adams.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear about violence in Chicago. I’m not isolating Chicago for this article because I’m concerned there’s a larger picture we’re not addressing. The problem of unemployment and low pay. The problem with the lack of programs and services aimed at helping people who want and need them. For some reason, there is more concern about what’s happening internationally then what’s plaguing communities and neighborhoods locally and nationally.
Whenever we divert our attention away from the ills of what’s happening within our immediate surroundings, problems will continue to escalate.
While speaking at a local church over the weekend, I learned that this particular church (Cargle Chapel A.M.E. Church) in Walton County, Georgia was at the forefront of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. Just reflecting on the many heroes and sheros who stood where I stood, I couldn’t help but draw from their strength to keep pressing on to end violence and violence in general. Think about it for a moment. None of them would have sat back idly. Accepting injustice of any kind wasn’t in their DNA.
It’s apparent that the mainstream media isn’t doing anything to bring about peace. In fact, many within this mainstream structure will do their very best to avoid the topic because it doesn’t affect them personally. We cannot be naïve and think race and nationality doesn’t play a factor in what gets covered. Let’s face it – when violence or the threat of violence doesn’t affect certain areas, it’s often times overlooked by the ones with the means (political and financial) to make a difference.
My friend, it’s up to all of us to bring about a solution. In a real sense, all of us (no matter where we live or what we do) must come together to end violence. This is deeper than voting for new laws. It’s much more than getting on our knees and praying. We must initiate programs that will uplift and empower people. We must not wait on the government for funding. We must use the resources we have at our disposal and learn to be resourceful.
I fully understand that some who will read this article will not respond to any call to action. They are content with the way things are until violence hits home. But I’m reaching out to those who care, not just for their children but for the children of any parent. I’m challenging those who want to make a difference to begin today. Don’t wait. Each day of procrastination adds more fuel to the violence epidemic.
If we do our part, we will see a reduction in violence. If we remain steadfast in our efforts, a change will take place. And if we hold on to the strength, courage, and works of our ancestors, I believe lives will be changed and transformed. - Dr-Sinclair N. Grey III 7.22.14
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| 4 Chiefs |
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| poster - Connection |
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