Viewing the video showing the inhumane actions of the University of Maryland (UMD) Medical Center of using physical force to dump a Black woman out into the freezing cold streets of Baltimore was unbelievable (Read article).
Coupling the UMD Medical Center's treatment of the Black woman to the racist venom that spewed out in the gathering in White House, with no reaction coming from those present, are both demonstrations of the deep-rooted, universal hatred of Black people wherever Black people are found. This statement is based on historical facts!
Individuals with a moral and ethical center should rise up and push back against travesties like this at all times. What form the "Rising Up and Pushing Back" takes will be determined by those that are involved.
Yes, a collective rising up and pushing back against the racism on display today is welcomed. However, below are some things individuals should consider doing for themselves that might have the greatest impact where it counts most:
1. Be vigilant and ready to engage when the opportunity presents itself. In doing so, be clear and knowledgeable of the lessons history teaches: (i) That the struggles Blacks deal with are perpetual, only the form changes; and (ii) That every "Current Form" of the perpetual struggle will fade over time until the "Next Form" take center stage.
2. For those whose moral and ethical compass is pointing them to take some form of action against the heightened racism that's being perpetuated now should use any and every platform at their disposal to let their voice be heard. Once involved step back, take a deep breath, and take heed of Reinhold Niebuhr's prayer: "God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference."
3. The United States operates an educational system that's open to all its citizens where the first 12 years of schooling is "Free" and no competitive entrance exam required. With such an opportunity open to all, students and their family should take full advantage of the first 12 years of schooling by investing more seriously in their classroom studies. This is especially true for young Black boys.
4. For Blacks to get out and stay out of debt (click here to better understand the relationship of debt to marketing and propaganda which leads to dreams being deferred or totally abandoned).
5. For Blacks "NOT To" convene a conference, seminar, workshop, nor any other resource-draining activity in response to this recent form of the perpetual struggle.
6. For Blacks to always take the high road in life letting their work and lifestyle speak for them.
In the end, individuals are not responsible for what others say and that includes President Donald J. Trump, and do and that include institutions like the University of Maryland Medical Center, but are responsible for their own actions. Responding on a continuous bases to the hatred actions directed at Blacks takes up too much valuable time and energy that could be better spent on addressing the six items in the list above.
The struggle is not new and it continues. This post is from a 70 year old whose beginning started on his Grandma's front porch during the time when Jim Crow had a stronghold on the South. But be assured that like the picture in this post...in due time, "This Too Shall Pass."