By Briana Booker
For those trying to connect the topic Black on Black violence as a reason for people to not voice their thoughts on the killing of black teen Trayvon Martin, I urge you to sit back and give thought on the reasons why black on black violence occurs and why Trayvon Martin got confronted by George Zimmerman for looking suspicious because he was a black young man. I occasionally check my Facebook feed to see discussion on social and cultural issues. Daniel Maree, political activist/human rights activist, status caught my eye. His status had the following remarks:
People love to talk about black on black crime as if it’s Trayvon Martin vs. Black on Black Crime. As if we have to pick between the two. Ok. Let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about drugs and guns in our inner cities. Let’s talk about how they got there. Let’s talk about Ronald Reagan. Let’s talk about Iran Contra. Let’s talk about poverty. Let’s talk about the victimization of black communities.
These black talking heads should be ashamed of themselves for not making that point. Let’s be honest about the crises that exist in our communities. Let’s not just use them as excuses for not finding justice for Trayvon. #GetSerious #Millionhoodies
I feel passionate about the matter as well. I thank Daniel Maree for speaking up about this matter. It’s time for America to have discussions on the tough topics. Drugs & guns didn’t come to inner cities simply from people in poverty being there. Drugs and guns come from people in positions of power whom profit off of the poorest of the poor. The education system has failed to teach people why these problems exist or people have failed to listen. Perhaps it’s both.
Poverty isn’t about people ” just not trying hard enough.” Anyone that truly believes that really needs to find sources that teach them why society is the way it is. When people are willing to visit the communities that have been forgotten, that is when we can find solutions together. To empathize with those that suffer, you need the will power to ask tough questions and get out of your comfort zone. We can’t wait for people in positions of power to correct a system that wasn’t made for everyone to succeed or have a good quality of life. We need to set up real family values , we need effective business plans, and we need more community unity. It’s time to wake up and do something. For more of my outlooks on racial issues in America, subscribe to the blog and Like me on Facebook .