“Justice is the firmest pillar in good government.” Ravi
Zacharias
Over a year ago, I wrote in my blog about the Baltimore
riots. Today, I wake up to the newest hashtag victims, Alton Sterling and
Philando Castile. As a Black man, these stories always hit home and serve as a
reminder to the ever present danger that lurks between stereotype and ambiguous
situation. As a Black male English educator, I understand the power of message
and the importance of giving solutions to issues that trouble our nations’
conscience. In that vein, I would like to offer six actions that could move us
forward in the struggle for a country that gives Black men the freedom and
opportunity to, as DC Teacher of the Year Jason Kamras puts it, live life on
their own terms.
Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, anthropologist or legal
expert, so I will try to stay away from those knowledge domains in discussing
the particulars of these latest events. I am a life-long educator and life-long
Black male, which allows me a lens into these situations that is important.
Lastly, these suggestions are not panaceas. They are not guaranteed to stop the
next hashtag victim, but they could help us move to unity against injustice and
closer to the revolutionary self-love that has evaded Black people for
centuries. (For other concrete solutions aimed at resolving this crisis – visit
joincampaignzero.org)
1.
Process
the past. William Faulkner once said – “the past is never dead. It’s not
even past.” Black and White people still have not processed the psychological, physical
and spiritual toll of the particular institution of slavery. Slavery did a
number on millions of us. I am of the belief that it was just as terrible for
the mentality of the slave owners as well. As long as we try to process this
historical atrocity only through Oscar-nominated (and winning) movies, we will
never get to honest and earnest dialogue. We need to have safe spaces in
churches, in Barnes and Nobles, in restaurants where interested parties can
discuss the mental legacy of slavery. There can be mental health professionals
there, but we need to be able to talk about it all. Reparations needs to be on
the table. Restructuring of images in the media needs to be on the table.
Misunderstanding and competition between the races needs to be on the table. We
keep walking past each other, but still end up crashing into each others’
lives.
2.
Talk
across statuses. This is specifically for Black people. Middle and upper
class Black people need to be in regular contact with Blacks from the ‘lower
class’ economically. Bryan Stevenson called it being ‘proximate to pain.’ And
the pain is reflecting both ways: there are a lot of middle/upper class Black
people suffering as well. The suffering just looks differently. As long as
there is a chasm between us, further propagated by ‘Meet the In-Law’ type media
(hello, Tyler Perry), we can and will never unite. We have more in common than
we have different. Repeat: We have MORE in common than we have DIFFERENT.
3.
Adopt a
Black male. Not literally, unless you would like to. But, figuratively,
connect with a cause, school or organization that specifically uplifts Black
males. Then, donate your time, talent and treasure. As more people from all
walks of life become invested in Black males’ future, I believe you may see
more of us around. I have had the privilege of spending more time with my son
and daughter this summer and have instituted ‘Daddy Camp.’ From learning to
field trips to just having fun, I have been able to have daily intimate contact
with my children. I LOVE it. But they do – “Daddy camp is so fun because, well,
daddy is here with us,” said my daughter. Stop and think about how many other
Black and Brown children can or will never utter those words. The process for
keeping Black men home doesn’t start after college – it starts with an
investment in our Black boys.
4.
Connect
across races. We will not heal together if we don’t deal together. If we
never ‘deal’ with one another and connect in intimate spaces like church and
cook-outs (you White folks better remember the rules to Black cook-outs,
though. Just joking. But not really. But really), there is no way we will come
to understand the utter fear and panic that may exist on both sides of a police
confrontation. How do I love you if I don’t know you? How do I know you if I
never put time on my schedule to have our families meet and interact with one
another – across difference, discomfort and misunderstanding. Are we just going
to continue this dangerous and ignorant dance, fifty feet across from each
other? In a land that shed precious blood for us to actually be united?
5.
Resist fear.
The easiest and most powerful response to these murders is to fear. To fear for
the safety of the Black husband or son in your life. I have a six year old
Black boy. I get it. But I will not live my life in fear, I will live in
wisdom.
6. Seek God’s presence. I am a Christian.
That does not mean I do not make mistakes or am confronted with my brokenness
every day. But it does mean that I have faith in heaven and a place beyond this
life where I can be with God. This helps me to understand that I cannot expect
out of this life and this sinful world what it simply cannot give me. Whether
you are a Christian or of another faith, your belief in the presence of an
almighty should point you in that direction. I have made it a point to
continually seek a daily experience with God – through reading and mediating on
his Word, praying to Him, worshipping and praising Him and just thanking Him
for who He is. By focusing on His greatness, I find wisdom to face issues such
as racism, police brutality and life for Black males. I find the strength and
courage to live my life without fear, and I experience a soul-quenching
satisfaction that a million rock concerts, movies, television shows or other
addictive and possibly dangerous behaviors could never give me. You should
probably give it a try.
***
This blog is for Black males, Black females and all other
allies to our collective struggle. As with any other idea, it only gains
momentum if we do something with it. I plan to follow this up with a blog
detailing how we can protect Black Boys that are in our schools and ultimately,
how literacy can change Black males’ futures and fortunes.
Until then, let us
build our collect capacity to love, fight and sacrifice. Most importantly, let
us seek the joy, justice, peace, grace and unconditional love only found in the
presence of the Almighty God.
Josh Parker
2012 Maryland Teacher of the Year
