Throughout the mass media, we have seen the Black Lives Matter Movement doing the traditional way of protesting that we are all used to. People are marching in the streets of cities while chanting the names of our black brothers and sisters, who have been killed, and chanting, "Black lives matter!" as they show support. This is all good and well, but there are a couple elements that must be addressed, which this movement is failing to follow.
Let us take it back to the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his movement for justice and change in America. After Rosa Parks refused to move from the front of the bus and paid unnecessary consequences for her actions, Dr. King ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Following this action, minister and former president of the NAACP Milton Galamison staged a boycott within the New York City school system fighting for a citywide desegregation plan including 460,000 students.
People continue to push for change, and we see videos of people screaming in front of a line of policemen with shields and body armor because there are an inconsistency and discrepancy in the justice system. Here's the thing — I'm sure this works to an extent, and I know the police hear you, but how many of the governing bodies and cops are actually listening and taking in what you are saying? This tactic can only go so far.
The best thing to do to make change is to make the change ourselves, and that is by messing with the elite's pockets. Stir up their income. A lyricist named Cassidy said, "You mess with their change and change will happen." Our nation is corrupted by money. Elitists profit on wars, indecent working conditions and much more. Stop supporting the elitist businesses, also know as the "1 percent." Boycott! Support local businesses, build your communities and stand together with your neighbors regardless of race.
Although Dr. King had a more peaceful approach, we must acknowledge El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X. We see some of our people using this movement as a way of retaliation that is wrong, resulting in tragedies no one needs or deserves. Malcolm gave his sentiments on revolution when needed, but he conveyed his ideals in a way that some of us are either unaware of or have discounted. He informed our people of two things:
1. "Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone, but if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery."
2. "It is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks."
Now before running off and thinking I am condoning violence, I am not. This past week we heard of Micah Xavier Johnson killing police officers, protesters yelling at the media, people dropping cement bricks on officers' heads and more. Making these decisions based on lack of knowledge and, most importantly, anger does not help. That is not how you call for change. This results in people and the media placing a stigma that all protesters a part of the Black Lives Matter Movement are rioting and retaliating with irrational violence. Malcolm uses these ideals to sanction violence if and only if violence is unlawfully presented upon you, which is in your right to defend yourself.
We need to change our mentality. We have to remember that not every police officer and not every white person is our enemy. Be wise about how you push for change. Teach your peers and the youth. Know your rights. Love each other, remain peaceful and act with rationality.
