Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we remember the contributions of one of the most well-known, well-regarded, and cherished civil rights leaders in American history, let us reflect on the principles and values for which he stood.

Black, brown, and other peoples of color were not included in the Constitution of the United States. To date, this founding document has not been amended to embrace the dignity and humanity of non-white persons.

How, then, can this nation move forward to ask new and interesting questions about the progress of its citizens as the malignancy of racial injustice metastasizes.

Does the present state of race in America signal a failure on the part of Dr. King? No. Does it indicate that the civil rights leaders of the 60s have failed blacks in America? No. Does it suggest that 20th century activists did not risk all for freedom? No.

What it means is that the perilous march to freedom is an arduous process against a system of oppression that continually renews itself on the resources and spilled blood of the downtrodden.

It means that the sacrifices of yesterday produced a force inclusive of highly-educated, socially conscious, and determined activists who have a strong legacy from which to draw strength, courage, and examples of adaptability for today's challenges.

It means we must build upon rather than dismantle our legacy of audacity in the face of insurmountable odds and brace for what vestiges of injustice may lurk in our future.

---

Happy Black History Month, Humanity!

It is common knowledge that Africa is the cradle of humanity. Science proves that, genetically, black people cannot descend from white people (if white was the "race" of the first humans). So, what does this mean? It means that the continuum of hues that characterizes black persons does not stop at brown people. Nope, the continuum extends from the darkest humans to the lightest skinned of all blacks--white people. Happy Black History Month, humanity!

This song was dedicated to depression, recession, and unemployment. I further dedicate it to the demise of racism, bigotry, and prejudice. Today’s a new day. Let’s look truth square in the eye and smile!

---

Occupy Everything!



Rob Herron, III

There is nothing like seeing a unified mass of pissed off people overcoming the American traditions of social conditioning and identity illusion to make a statement against oppression. It’s just beautiful and it’s a phenomenon that hasn’t shown itself in this country since maybe the 60’s or 70’s. The “Occupy” movement is truly a rare sight during these days where so many powerful spirits and minds have been suppressed to maintain the status quo. This process is nothing new though, especially recently as we’ve had front row seats to the many revolts that popped up in Middle Eastern and African countries (I’ll come back to these). 

This time in history is clearly indicative of the need for Humanity to rise up and reclaim its authority, and what better platform for this message than America: the self proclaimed world leaders. I think that’s why the “Occupy” protests springing up in every American city have such a massive significance and a purpose that, honestly, could be in danger of being compromised. The protest itself is the movement because it accomplishes the most important thing an oppressed or deceived people must do to kick start change: speaking.

Specifically, purposeful speaking that calls out wrongdoers and helps to clarify the responsibility of the participants moving forward. But as this movement approaches a stage where its growth is exponential and the message can no longer be hidden by media outlets and the overall power structure the territory gets rocky. It’s at this point that unstable movements start to crumble mainly because the opportunists (both within and outside of the protest) start to show up. The things that people need to be most aware of are the always present human instincts to micromanage or provide a comforting distinction to something.

It’s at this point that the demonstrators and organizers whose hearts are immeasurably committed to achieving liberation have to take ownership of the efforts, or someone else less concerned will. There’s an “Occupy Everything” kind of mindset that defines the power structure that we’ve all been forced to adhere to and that attitude comes out particularly when its reign is threatened. It also comes out when it sees the opportunity to corrupt a pure movement of change, they just can’t pass that up.

Now back to the movements in the Middle East and Africa real quick. Many of the corrupt leaders of countries whose people were trying to overthrow them had to have American assistance to get to that oppressive state, but it was the Americans who swooped in to play savior or rather to stake claim in a place and people that are transitioning. The same idea will apply to the “Occupy” movement. There will be an effort to claim our message of freedom.  As a result we need to have an “Occupy Everything” approach too. We have to be of the mindset of reclaiming every right that has been usurped, every promise that has been skipped out on and every speck of truth that has been kept from us. There can’t be an outcome that falls short of that. If this happens we may see a world “Occupied” completely by liberated people. 

---

Rob Herron is a graduate of the journalism school of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He freelances at 'The Call' in Kansas City. Rob is the author of the blog 'Just Thoughts.'

---

Prison of the Mind

 

Z. Hall is an educator, researcher, blogger, photographer, and poet. A large part of her work focuses on social justice. Her research interests include the history of art controversies, the communication surrounding art conflicts, and how this communication functions within society. She earned a doctorate in communication studies in 2009.

As the author of this blog, Z. writes about topics that, through conversation with members and readers, further understanding of the human condition. Her belief is that public deliberation is beneficial for consciousness raising, building tolerance acceptance, and problem solving.

Prison of the Mind

by

Z. Hall



Image by Annemarie Hoogwoud



I’m breaking free!

Congratulations! How?

Eyes focused anew,

perspectives multiplied,

challenging assumptions

that be

the rock

of

limited pos-si-bi-li-ty.

At midnight’s approach

clubbing the night guard,

taking the keys,

opening the cells,

triggering the sprinklers.

No.

It’s not mayhem.

It is dawn.

Inmates of the mind

have set

themselves

free.

Beyond

the

electric,

chain-link,

mirage

exists

the land of tranquility, 

abundance, and light.

Humanity’s

birthright.

You have my interest.

Liberating

if achieved.

Go on.

The experience

is in

progress.

An epic quest,

invitations to all.

Tell me

of your pilgrimage

when

complete.

Godspeed, trusted, fellow inmate!

Image from: ecnc.org

Thanks for sharing

this leg of the journey.

Acknowledging

movement on the cellblock,

asking, "how?"

This much we have achieved.

Come!

We must gather the others.

© Z. Hall, 2011

---