STOP THE VIOLENCE

I've been a little thrown since the murder of Derrion Albert was caught on video. I specify caught on video because, had it not been taped it probably wouldn't have made headlines. I've been going back and forth in my mind on whether or not I should write about this tragedy. I asked myself, what difference would it make if I did write about this? I still don't have that answer, but I do know that I will never find it if I don't speak out. It seems clear to me after watching the video that this type of thing is so common that no one thought twice about taping it. I have read so many comments about why someone would tape the death of another human instead of helping. Clearly this person did not know what the outcome would be. If you pay attention you'll notice that there were a lot of people passing by or through and no one seemed afraid or disturbed by what was going on around them. It seemed to be commonplace. Second, what do you think would have happened if someone had stepped in? There would have been 2 casualties instead of one. You can't honestly watch that video and think that anyone other than those responsible could have stopped that.


What's worse than all this is the fact that senseless acts of violence like this occur everyday and the only tears of sympathy those victims receive are from their mothers. What's worse than that is the fact that the problem is rooted deeper than anything we can fix anytime soon. Focusing specifically on the black community, the problems that plague us our so systemized into our very existence that we aren't even aware of most of them. I wish I could go into the details of how self hatred, emasculation and violence have been programmed into our people since our ancestors were brought to this country. Break the black man in front of his woman and she will know that he can't protect her. Rape the black woman in front of her man and he'll know that he can't protect her. I'm paraphrasing of course, but it's not off base at all. Anyone who can, should at least take an introductory level African American Stuides course. Things will become so much clearer.


I'm not pointing fingers or placing blame or even suggesting that this is all "The Man's" fault. The Man did not hit Derrion with that 2 by 4 and The Man did not beat him to death. Misguided, hopeless and hurt young men did that. Misguided because they knew no other way of expressing their anger and aggression. Hopeless because they couldn't have had dreams for their future to risk their own lives in such a brawl. Hurt because at the end of the day hurt is what drives most people to the edge; the point of no return.


From the second after I saw that video I've wanted to do something, ANYTHING at all. But I haven't been able to figure out what. I could donate money, but what would that really accomplish? Yes, it could help Derrion's family with his funeral and other expenses that they are too grievous to attend to right now but it won't change what happened. Honestly, this isn't just about Derrion anymore. This is about him and all the other countless youth who have lost their lives to violence. This is about those youth who don't know anything other than to act out in violence; and to me that's the saddest part of this story.


So, I've decided to no longer be silent. I've decided that as long as I'm silent, as long as anyone is silent, then we aren't much better than those people committing these acts. You never know how many people your voice may reach. You never know whose heart your words may touch. I pray that my voice and words reach and touch at least one person before my time is done on this earth. I pray that they may help someone to think twice about their actions. I pray that they may encourage someone to speak up and out.


My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Derrion's family and friends; and to the family and friends of those who have lost someone to senseless violence and to those who believe that violence is the only way to survive.

Say it with me: STOP THE VIOLENCE