As some Americans celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks, barbecues and the company of family, some people, I included, took some time to reflect on what freedom really means. Unfortunately last week did not continue in celebration, as several lives were lost to senseless murder. Some at the hands our very own that "serve and protect" and attacks against them. Some may be unaware of the state of the nation or choose to be unaware but like my previous articles you know that I like to take my time to enlighten my readers. I want you to think critically about the following question. How could a nation founded on "equality" have an imbalance in the treatment of citizens involving law enforcement? Some may agree that there is equal treatment of all people but my friends you are wrong, if you believe in this argument. If you don't believe me, simply search "Alton Sterling" or "Philando Castile" for recent evidence of the current epidemic. If your mind hasn't grasped the concept that there is a such thing as "police brutality", search "Eric Garner", "Sandra Bland", "Michael Brown", "Tamir Rice", "Oscar Grant", "Amadou Diallo", or even "Rodney King". The list continues. These simple searches all have the same conclusion "death of a Black person by law enforcement".There is a distinct difference in interactions of Black people with law enforcement than their White counterparts. Similar incidents with White citizens results with them being able to await trial or leaving the situation all together. However, Black people have another possibility: death. But why?

The answer to my previous question is that America is a nation built on the "paradox of equality". When the Declaration of Independence was signed, Black people were still enslaved. Therefore, not making them equal. If one of country's most precious documents stated that "all men are created equal" but didn't include Black people, there is clear indication of inequality. This is the root of our current state. Black and White people are not considered to be on the same playing field. If White people are able to have the privilege of being able to feel safe with officers and Black people don't, this is the reason. However, people don't see this problem and continue to make statements like "well if he didn't resist while the officer was engaging with him then he would be alive". Pause. If a person is resisting arrest shouldn't they be charged with "resisting arrest" and live to await trial? I thought so. But some officers feel that the some people *cough* BLACK people don't have this privilege. In no way shape or form is this an article to condemn the entire Police force but this is an eye opener. Not all cops are guilty of these acts but the problem is that some are getting away with them. The system needs a huge adjustment. We need law enforcement to acknowledge, act, and correct this behavior and hold each other accountable so this cycle can end.

BLACK LIVES MATTER. By say this I am not saying "all lives don't matter", but I am professing that we, BLACK people, do indeed MATTER and the MURDERING of our people is unjust like it would be for any other group of people. Lastly, I want you to leave you with a poem I wrote earlier this year to solidify my argument.

A PARADOXICAL LAND OF THE FREE

AMERICA, OOH SAY CAN YOU SEE,

LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE,

But really the nation built of the backs of the slaves.

Self-proclaimed, all AMERICAN made,

BRANDED, INSTILLED, but at the cost of the Natives pain.

Vast forests, deep valleys, and canyons so Grand,

Was once where Mexico proclaimed land, now, borders

Block the immigrants from getting their fresh start,

But didn't the Anglos make their mark?

See there is a contradiction when others,

Meaning my sisters and brothers seek to obtain

A depiction of the same rights and liberties, as those

Who get them without question or permission.

This is because of something, what do you call it?

Melanin, that's right color! But this would never occur in AMERICA!

Because, WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES,

ONE NATION UNDER GOD ARE FREE!

EVERYONE IS EQUAL, CORRECT?

But how can this be if AMERICA is actually spelled

With 3 K's instead of a C? Minorities are

Swept under the rug, while the majority reigns supreme!

This what you call a Paradoxical Land of the Free.