UNREST
UNREST
One America collides with another
Photos & essay by @themiclangelo
Photos taken during 1st George Floyd 5/31/20 in Boston, MA
As a Black man, I've many thoughts about the social unrest. I had planned to stay private, but I was convinced speaking'll help.
As a juvenile, I was arrested in my middle-school class & expelled. I spent holidays & a birthday in jail. I've been accosted by police & lost employment when background checks revealed this. I survived a murder attempt from a Black man. My former crew were felons, one was killed in an underreported Boston police shooting. I've taught inner-city minority students & revitalized homes in Black neighborhoods. I was the only Black hire in many companies. I hold two computer-science university degrees. I'm a family man, homeowner, and taxpayer. I am a Black man, & I am much more than that.
I'd be dead had I not thought my life mattered enough to change. But better people couldn't do so due to racial stigmas. I honor the victimized because if my life matters, so did theirs. The worldwide movement shows others feel likewise.
This social unrest is as old as America herself, so we can't be "Good Vibes Only". They're many Breonna Taylors & George Floyds in my lifetime, countless more in world history. Many African countries, such as my home Nigeria, is in similar duress. What may be an old news story to you has always been current events for me.
We're not a monolith either. Another's actions don't reflect me. Celebrities, politicians, pundits & allies don't speak for me. My mind is mine alone, so let Black Americans speak for themselves. It's not safe, but dignity's more important.
I don't seek special treatment; I earn what I own. I'm accountable for my mistakes, but my skin isn't one, so I won't be shamed for it. I obey laws, but my humanity's a divine right I will defend if threatened.
I don't seek domination, retribution, anarchy, or an organization's agenda. I seek unity without uniformity. Self-determination, self-respect, self-reliance & self-defense. Equality, liberty & justice for all. I support responsible means to accomplish this.
I'm pessimistic we'll solve this in my lifetime, but I'll do what I can & hope human decency prevails.
Black Lives Matter
