06/07/2020
These are some of the photos I took on 10/10/15. When my teacher, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan held a 20th anniversary to The Million Man March. Which he called for 1 million Black Men to Washington D.C on October 16, 1995, And more than 2 Million showed up.
I was 7 years old at the time of the first march, but my father and uncles (Who are followers of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership of Min. Louis Farrakhan) were there; and they always said it was like Heaven on Earth. The Minister’s beautiful message(s) was for us to stop the violence with each other take our communities and make them real communities (Which is When you control, the schools, banks, hospitals, groceries and POLICING.).
20 years later (10/10/15) the cry was “Justice Or Else” the many killings of unarmed black Men and Woman forced that title and call. I was honored to be there and to hear that message almost 5 years ago. It changed me for the better, as I reflect....it really did. But when I look back and see what the cry was, The Minister was right on time because it seems we are on the “Or Else” stage of this. Because we aren’t getting and have never got FULL justice since the first Slave Ship landed in Jamestown, Virginia in 1555.
It has always been a war for us! This is a 465 year Battle that we are just sick of. But there are different stages and levels of warfare. Systemic Racism is in full view, and I’m glad that people are waking up to it. Exercising their powers to make a change.
But Yo! I ain’t fooled. All of these “major brands and corporations” think this support/movement is going to go away and things are going to go back to “normal”. And I’m sure it will when it comes down to their support. Their “normal” is hell for Black Men and Women and always has been.
Back to the reflection, I have stories for days in this film and photography industry where racism is in your face. Many of my fellow black creators don’t get the opportunities White creators get. We don’t get the funding, we aren’t in the writing rooms, but they smile in your face and use your likeness because they know we are what makes your projects impactful. Black Imagery and culture is the number one resource in the World. They know that, it’s time we do and take it and OWN it. Which leads me back to the levels of Warfare.
Support Black Owned Businesses. Support Black Ideas, Support Black Self and Support Black Love. This will be a mission of our collective consciousness to support us WORLDLY. This is a forever Movement, this is not a temporary thing. So to the “allies” of our cause. You have to support and create real change everyday of your life. Again, this ain’t no temporary thing. This is a Forever Movement. My Black Soul ain’t for sell.
Thank you for reading this, I appreciate it, and thank you to all of the people that been checking up on me. I’m good, I’m working. Beautiful projects coming soon (GOD’s willin’) stay tuned. I’ll be Black.
