Over the last two weeks, I have found myself angry, disappointed, frustrated over the total disregard from SOME over the treatment of black lives.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.. – MLK
Witnessing how the Chinese were treating black people in China (Guangzhou) broke my heart. Africans were singled out and forced out of hotels, shops and restaurants in efforts to control the coronavirus.
Shortly after that, I witnessed Ahmaud Arbery being killed while going for a morning jog. The disturbing video was only recorded because their friend a lawyer thought it would help them get away with it. I watched Amy Copper feel so confident falsely accusing a black man despite having a camera in her face. A few weeks later I watched Geroge Floyd being murdered right before our eyes. I found myself in shock, how could they feel so brazen to do that with cameras right in their face.
I was forced to reflect on my own experiences, I remember fighting with a classmate in year 6 (10 years old) because he called me the N-word. I’ve been stopped multiple times by the police for no other reason than being black, I was told I fitted the description of a suspect tall, dark male. I remember being stopped and search because I was running for the bus and apparently looked suspicious, my teacher drove past even though I was with him just minutes before, I thought he would stop and say something but he didn’t. At 14 I had to run for my life after walking past a random pub in Essex. I have to split up with friends to get in a club, I’ve even been forced to buy a table in the club to give the security peace of mind. Even in my career despite everything, I’d be lying if I said I’ve haven’t faced any discrimination and racial remarks, I been asked if I can source coke or weed and even asked to rap and dance. Through faith and persistence, I’ve managed to overcome it, but it has left me feeling jaded.
I found myself quieter than usual, the video evidence of the mistreatment of black people has taken its toll on me, I sat pondering what can I actually do? I saw the tweets of uproar, the pics demanding change but found myself wondering what long term impact will that actually have. I understand how the frustration can lead to rioting looting but again this won’t change anything in the long term.
Things won’t change until our level of sacrifice exceeds our frustrations. We have to be committed to solving the issues and understand this will take many years. But if we don’t do the work the cycle will never change. I need to do my part so this world is better for the ones after me.
I believe things need to change on both a micro and macro level, so I first decided to think about what we can all do on a personal level. No one can do everything, but we can all do something, despite where you are in life.
Put my money where my mouth is
We need to be more conscious with how we are spending our money, for years I was living frivolously probably supporting brands who share the same views of some of these racists. Now I’m forced to deal with how I could’ve better utilised my finances. I’m not saying that I have to deprive myself of everything, but like I said the change will require sacrifice.
I’ve seen so many people calling out brands which is good, but we need to also make sure we are contributing ourself, we have enough finances to bring about change. The reality is we don’t need anyone to save us, we just need to be more strategic.
I started a foundation/nonprofit with some friends. The idea at first was to make sure no one is left behind and support those affected by the Coronavirus, but now I realise that’s only part of the vision. This needs to be a vehicle that evens out the playing field.
I was always nonchalant when it came to supporting charities/initiatives, but now recognise that it’s critical. I will find charities which efforts are focused on the improvement of black lives and I will invest, I urge you all to find charities/initiatives you believe in and give.
If you struggle with that at least be smarter with how you spend your money. It is philanthropy with how we spend, explore more of Africa, instead of travelling to places where we are treated less than, support your friends’ businesses. We need to start circulating the money more within our community.
Excel to the highest heights
I’ve shared this thought before but one it’s important to reiterate, we need to step up. I will always be cool. I have enough book smarts, street smarts and common sense to thrive in any environment. But this mindset has also led to complacency. No matter what my role is I need to strive to become the best I can be. Once you achieve a goal, celebrate and move on. Your success will show others from our background it’s possible, but you will also be in the places to make change happen. Until we get in these rooms it will be hard to break these cycles.
I will no longer accept that glass ceiling mindset, and I will ensure my work ethic will share that same sentiment. That limitation mindset is over, let’s excel and reach back to pull someone else out. Commit to long term learning and sharing that knowledge. I’m focused on ensuring that I can leverage my positions to create opportunities for others.
Positive Example
One of the main rebuttals we often hear is that the black community kill themselves through gang violence. Much of which is triggered by economic and social neglect. Regardless this doesn’t negate or justify what is happening by the police or racial acts of violence but it is still something we need to address. Until we increase our personal regard for each other we will always leave room for them to attack us. Unfortunately, there will always be people that benefit from the chaos. But we can no longer glorify these people. I plan to be more present in my community, it’s something I’ve been doing but it’s time to increase the effort. But we can’t just be present, we need to have an impact, set up an after school programme, organise a football tournament, or even arrange a motivational talk for the youth. We need to govern our communities before the police intervene. I remember a video of an older man stopping two friends fighting, we need to ensure this is happening more. I will focus on reminding the youth they’re destined for greater.
In addition to that, I plan to join a school governing board. To have an impact with the kids getting excluded and ensuring all kids have a fair chance. The process isn’t that difficult, but we have to be prepared to do the work.
The majority of people we deem gangsters and thugs, just need a little love and guidance. This does come at a risk, not everyone will be supportive. But like I keep saying the change we want will require sacrifice.
We need to actively show through our words and deeds we are not these stereotypes that have been projected on us. Being honourable to your partner matters, being present in child lives matter, being honourable to parents and siblings matters. Your personal conduct is not just a reflection of you it’s a reflection of everyone.
I’ve also had to let go of actions no longer serving me, I grew up in an environment where people would talk disrespectfully and fight if necessary. A couple of weeks ago I was provoked to the point I nearly put hands on someone. I knew instantly I had lowered my own standards. We need to be smarter with how we respond to disrespect. Sometimes silence is the most powerful response. Some people want to get a reaction out of you, don’t give it to them.
Businesses
We all have gifts, found out what your gift is and then build a business around it. To me business is not about not having to work for anybody it’s more about building a legacy and creating opportunities for others. I want to start a business that can provide direct opportunities for people from my community.
There was a kid that grew up around me who I saw as a little cousin. He started getting involved with the wrong lifestyle and got in some trouble. I tried talking to him, but what he really needed was another way to make money. Needless to say, he got in trouble again and it’s now a personal regret I carry.
Not every business is destined to be the next Amazon, but it doesn’t need to be for you to be successful. Just be consistent and the rest will come.
However, I recognise not everyone is destined to be entrepreneurs either, but strive to get into hiring positions so you can have some say in the company’s direction.
Lastly, we need to all support each other where possible, what do I look like buying a cake from a store when Kwasi has a business. Why cop a Nike tracksuit when Trapstar and Benjart look better? How can I use a random recruitment company when my family co-run a recruitment firm? Let’s put our pride to the side and support each other. So what if it cost a little more like I keep saying the change we want will require sacrifice.
Macro Level
Although there is much to be done on a personal level, there is so much more we need to do on a Macro level. These are just some ideas that have come to mind. I recognise I need to learn a lot more.
Politics
I’m not saying we all become politicians, but personally I need to start paying more attention. Laws are being made that impact us, we need to understand what is being said, the impact they will have and start holding our politicians responsible. I love the fact we now have social commenters such as Busayo Twins (@ ), that can break down the information in ways that are easily digestible. I plan to understand how policies affect our community and make sure we hold our politicians accountable. I plan to communicate more with my major and local MP, they are there to represent our interest. Our votes hold power, we need to utilise it in the correct way. We need to be clear on the reform our communities need and ensure they’re provided. Although I have no desires to get into politics I will actively support candidates who are trying to advance our community.
We need more people of colour to enter the world of politics and represent black interest, our voices need to be heard in those chambers. We need specific laws that address the injustices in the world. If we are consistent we will breakthrough, we can’t see temporary defeats as permanent losses, Abraham lost eight elections before he became president.
Lastly, this can’t be seen as only a black issue, we need all hands on deck. If you can help, help! I was reminded by my mentor of William Wilberforce. William Wilberforce was a privileged, educated white man who also happened to be a follower of Jesus. He became an MP at 20 and made it his life mission to eradicate slavery for African men, it took 18 years to get the legislation passed and another 26 years to see it through. We need more William Wilberforce to commit to this fight.
Police Force / Judicial system
We need more people from our communities to enter the Police force, and strive to reach the highest heights. I know this isn’t an easy request especially in an organisation that overly conveys racism but I do believe it’s possible and it is critical in order to change things. We also need more lawyers, I’ve witnessed many barristers just show up to be present for their representative, but only a few really trying to win the case, and I have yet to see a black judge. It’s not the colour that matters, its the life experiences that come with being that colour that matters.
Ethics Board to review cases
I’m not sure how the internal affairs are set up but there needs to be a panel set up to investigate cases suspected of racial injustice, and where they’re found guilty the punishment needs to be given accordingly.
Personally, I plan to hold police accountable. If ever I’m disrespected or witness any injustice I’m not just going to record it. I plan to escalate it to the highest level possible.
I know many are frustrated right now, but time to time to identify an area you think you can improve and commit and make the necessary sacrifices for it. If we all do a little bit we can bring about a great change.
These are just my thoughts, might be right, might be wrong, but let’s do something.
What do you think can be done?
You’re the architect of your life.