When it comes to this blog my intention is to share my experience and provide something uplifting and positive for the mass. The past month has been a whirlwind when it comes to what is happening in the news. The way that the news is reported via television and the internet is extremely immediate. Everyone has an opinion as to what is right or wrong. So much of what is reported in sensational and tends to spark discussions that are impassioned and driven by emotion. Generally I strive to stay away from these type of discussions. I am in the process of retraining my mind body and soul. In order to maintain a sense of peace and balance I work to feed myself things that add to the awesomeness that the creator has blessed us with.
Fruitvale Station is an amazing movie starring Michael B Jordan in the role of Oscar Grant. Oscar Grant was shot on the mass transit platform by an Oakland Police officer while being detained New Years Day 2009. The murder of Oscar Grant prompted riots and demonstrations that ultimately led to the resignation of the police chief and a 2 year prison term for the officer who killed Oscar. The Officer only served 11 months.
After watching the movie I was moved to tears. I knew what happened already however as with many of these type of stories when they are told in 140 characters or less or on the nightly news something is always missing. The spirit and soul of the person who lost his/her life is hardly ever focused on. These young men are loosing their lives. They have families and loved ones. They are human. Michael B Jordan’s portrayal of Oscar Grant reminds the world of this.
Oscar Grant and his daughter Tatiana
The release of this movie was timely. In light of George Zimmerman who killed Trayvon Martin but was found innocent because of the Stand Your Ground law in the state of Florida.
I didn’t watch the proceedings up until the last few minutes when the words innocent rang through the courtroom. I was shocked. During the trial I would check my Facebook feed and notice how attention was being focused on Trayvon’s friend, on how Trayvon looked his drug usage and other issues that have nothing to do with why he was murdered. His life was taken and it feels as though no justice was given. He was a young man with his life in front of him. He had family and friends who love him. He was human.
Trayvon Martin and his father Tracy Martin
The media is all around us and is embedded in every facet of our lives. It is not some benign force that does not affect change. Used properly it can change lives and change the world. In this shift that is happening in our universe in this moment there seems to be a determined focus on those things that do not promote our good.
More specifically black men are being portrayed as heartless, uneducated and hopeless individuals.
Whenever I tell people I am from Chicago these days I get “The Questions”. They ask me… “Whats going on in Chicago?” “Are you scared for your life?” “Are you going to move?”
Most of these people only know what they are being fed in the media. Chicago is NOT the war zone that people will have you believe. The youth have not lost their minds. They are warriors for change with limited direction. There is a lack of focus as to what is causing this violence. The focus is on the killing and not the change. In the midst of all of this The “Concealed Carry” Law was just implemented in Illinois.
In the midst of this killing among our youth one of the most powerful tools of the media is being used to promote the lifestyle that is adding the dehumanization of black men throughout the world. Poverty is being exploited and our youth who are looking for a way out are providing the mass with what the media wants.
Music specifically Rap Music and the culture of Hip Hop has been hijacked and is being used as a tool drive our young men into free labor. Its not a secret. Its hidden in plain sight.
A portrait is being painted of our youth that is not true. They are not savages. They have SOULS!
Keith (Chief Keef) Cozart and his daughter Kayden
This is for the world to know. We are living breathing human beings with souls. Our lives have value.
Refocus our energy on this connection to our soul. We are great and can change this world. Life is AWESOME!!! LETS LIVE!!! Are you with me?
What are your thoughts on this? I would like to know. Leave A Comment, Like and Share this post.
Listen to and Buy “It’s On Me” produced by Tye Hill and D.J. Thunder.
Precise 