We Shall Overcome

Where do we turn in a world where being black is not accepted? One day I fear it will be one of my brothers staring down the barrel of a gun. What justification is there for killing because of the color of their skin. America was built on the backs of every black man, woman and child. We deserve equality. In being a reflection of our past, we paint the portrait for our future. Hate breeds hate, so what possible love is there to obtain.

I often found the word, “black” derogatory. When I was younger, that word was demeaning. Black defined is, “of the very darkest color owing to the absence of or complete absorption of light; the opposite of white.” Why should we embrace that which seems to curse us, looking forward it is my future. It is a great tragedy what we have endured over the years. But let me tell you now, being black is not a curse.

Mark 3:24 - 27

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

No man can enter into a strong man’s house and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I just want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed me to go to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promise land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” We are still on our way to the promise land. It took much sweat, blood and tears to get to where we are today. We are not done marching. I know many of you say we are living in Hell, but no one ever got to where they need to be by skipping through a field of flowers.

We, as a black community, have fallen short. It is time out for building houses on sand, that which cannot sustain such a great multitude of people. I refuse to be the minority any longer. In standing together, we make a great sound – Only when we reach one accord will we succeed.

Sang in the words of those who marched, “We shall overcome, we shall overcome. We shall overcome someday; Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe. We shall overcome someday.” When did we stop believing, and when has being knocked down ever made us quit. Together we can make the difference, and it starts with one. We are all a reflection of those who fought for the right to be free, and to lead the way.

We as a people need to refuse to go backwards. We stand tall on the prayers, dreams and visions of our ancestors. We are now where they could only dream of being because we are living the reality of being African-American, Negroes, black, colored…A people who need to set the destination and plot the course. We are that which is despised simply because of where we came from and who we come from. They will forever move to strike us down, only when we come together in strategy and prayer will we recover.

Faith without works is dead. We shall overcome someday. No, we may not get to the promise land, but we pave the way for those generations that shall succeed us. Lead the way like those before us and revert back to prayer when the saints tarried on their hands and knees. Thank you to those who stand with us.

We as a black community need to work on unity before moving forward. If we wish for our own demise, how will we ever overcome. Black Lives Matter. Yes! I do agree, but only when we stop killing our own can we come together in love, support and strength.