Your Outrage is Not About That:

On a clear day a young man was called "NIGGER" and then spit on. After that the, young man was told by the Principal that he was the one at fault for starting the argument. After he was spit on, to be told it was his fault and there would be no consequences. 

Later that year, that young boy was approached by a classmate was told, "Black people are niggers!" When I asked him why he said that he responded "NIGGER, NIGGER, NIGGER!" When I reported the incident to the teacher, and confronted the person, he banged his head on the wall, and dramatically whaled, "I didn't do it." There were no consequences. 

A young professional working in management at a retail store, repremanded a young employee. The employee in retaliation was planning on vandalizing the young manager's car and then spray paint the car with word "NIGGER" painted on the side. The employee was fired. 

Fast forward a few years later, the young professional man was managing a bank and encountered an angry client who did not like the decision that the young manager decided. As the manager went to answer the phone, the young customer said "Yeah you better go nigger!" 

In a suburban town in Kansas City by the name of Olathe, a young African-American Man was pulled over by the police for no apparent reason and was asked what he was doing in that affluent suburban neighborhood. The young male said that he lived there. The police officer then told or asked the young man to produce documentation that he lived there because "he was just looking out for the community." 

 ******************************************************************************************

Have you figured it out yet? The man in all of these scenarios is ME. These are just a few of my experiences dealing with racism both as a young child and then as an adult. 
This is why I am so passionate bout talking about these issues. 
There has been a lot of crap out there lately over the peaceful protests that have occurred. People have expressed their outrage so much so that the outraged people have cancelled their NFL football packages, burned jerseys, called the peaceful protestors "Sons of bitches" the list of and level of disrespect has been getting worse. All for people peacefully trying to bring attention to injustice, discrimination, and oppression that African-American's have been feeling in this country for a number of years. People are offended by this protest because of the "disrespect it shows" and various other bullshit excuses and reasons. Its been a hurtful year that started with the gross and disgusting disrespect that was shown to Colin Kaepernick when initiated the protest to shed light on the countless number of killings of black men at the hands of the police. This disrespect was fueled by #45 recent comments referring to NFL players who refuse to stand for the flag as "sons of bitches" and suggesting they be fired. This further fueled his supporters and encouraged the countless numbers of racial slurs, disrespect and division that the country has been dealing with lately that in which since the election  of #45 has only called to light just how far we still have to go.

 There has been so much bullshit that has been put out there and so much ignorance that I have heard that I decided to address some of the most outrageous statements I have heard from people over the last year. 

"Not standing for the Anthem is disrespectful to our veterans and fallen solders who fought and gave their lives." 
Really? You do know that Colin Kaepernick actually met with Nate Boyer a veteran who suggested that Kapernick take a knee instead of sitting down all together. Kapernick was willing to compromise because his intent was never to disrespect military individuals. There have also been numerous veterans who have spoken out in support of Kapernick and the other people protesting. Also for those of you have said this, I am wondering a few things: 
How many of you walk by a homeless veteran who is asking for money or for food?
How many of you fight to end veteran homelessness? How many of you have talked to and offered support to a widow of a fallen soldier and their families? 
Your outrage is not about the veterans and the troops.. 

"NFL Players are Rich Millionaires, they are not Oppressed."
So....because you have money, you can't feel pain? So because you have money you lose compassion? So because you have money or status you don't deal with racism? Tell that to Lebron James when his home was vandalized with NIGGER on his gate, Tell that to Oprah Winfrey who was told she could not afford clothing from a Beverly Hills Store , Tell that to Harvard Henry Louis Gates who was arrested and accused of breaking into his own house and President Barack Obama who along with his family was disrespected and insulted on a regular basis. Their status, fame and fortune did not spare them the racism and prejudice you say rich people don't deal with.  And since when does having money make you out of the reach of pain, anguish, and despair?
Your outrage is not about privileged athletes and entertainers. 

 "Celebrities and Athletes should not get political.." 
Umm excuse me? Aren't they American Citizens who pay taxes, vote, and have freedoms like you?" Its ok as long as the athlete or the celeb is entertaining you, but as soon as the shit gets real, you mad? 
Your outrage is not about celebrities and athletes getting political

  "Anyone who kneels should be fired." 
So...you are about that forced patriotism life huh? You keep going on and on about how this a free country yet when someone exercises his/her first amendment right to peacefully protest, you get angry. You are forcing someone to sing a song or pledge? Isn't that what Hitler did? Doesn't that contradict with the line "Land of the free..." 
Your outrage is not about someone getting fired. 

"Martin Luther King would not have done this.." 
You really have not ready anything about Martin Luther King have you? Hello? Remember Selma? Montgomery? Sit Ins? When you say this you really are showing how stupid and ignorant you are. 
Your outrage is not about how people are protesting. 

 You see the trend? The outrage is not about any of the things listed above. The outrage is about people protesting about inequality and racism and police brutality. Just like Martin Luther King that some so ridiculously bring up was told to sit down and shut up, this is the same thing. Discussing racism and injustice always makes those who don't have to deal with it uncomfortable especially when they watch things that are as American as football, baseball and sometimes award shows.
Bottom line is, there is racism in this country and its absolutely disgraceful the number of people who showing and expressing this outrage over the flag yet say nothing about the reason they are protesting. I support taking the knee because I am an African-American male who becomes afraid, when a police officer gets behind me not because I have broken any laws, but because I am black. Until you can understand that or are willing to listen to that things will never change. 

Keep Kneeling
#imwithKap


 




 

Random Thoughts: What's on My Mind Right Now.

1. Rush Limbaugh is a media ho. Him and others like him including #45 say stuff for attention. We fall for it every time. 
2. Hillary Clinton should not have attacked Bernie Saunders in her book.He did support her after he lost in the primaries and is still out in the trenches. Its not a good look for her and it just opens up old wounds. Bad taste and does not help to unify.
3. I still have now watched Power or Game of Thrones. Don't judge me. 
4. Wrong is wrong. Right is right. There is not always two sides of the story. Be careful what and who you defend. 
5. People who cause and start drama then often portray themselves as victims to garner up that sympathy. 
6. The looters in Florida right now make me sick to my stomach. Like really? I hope they are punished. 
7. Just because you are loyal to people does not mean you will always get it back. 
8.  The L.A Traffic is really beginning to be exhausting. Its just getting worse. Driving in L.A in a full time job. 
9. People still complaining about Colin Kaepernick and others standing in kneeling during Star Spangled Banner but still have not said JACK about why they are kneeling/sitting. 
10. After eating a bone-in steak, I don't think I could ever go back to bone out. It was that damn good. 
11. Kirk Cameron does not speak for ALL Christians and his comments were irresponsible and inconsiderate. Hurricanes are not a punishment for sins. This is not Noah's Ark. Does not not bode well.
12. Has anyone heard Will Smith's new rap single? Wonder if it's any good...
13. Listening to some Angela Bofill as I type and wonder where music like this disappeared to? 
14. Why some of ya'll hating on Kevin Hart's celebrity challenge raise money for Hurricane Harvey? If he broadcast the amount or if they are doing it for show who cares? As long as the money gets to Houston and Florida. Let's find something else to occupy our energies. 
15. Misery loves company. 
16. Is Janet Jackson bringing her tour to L.A? 
17. #45 approval rating has increased, but President's approval ratings always go up during a national disaster. Where will he go from here? 
18. The work ethic of some people is truly leaves something to be desired. 
19. Its already almost October. The holidays will be here before we know it.
20.  This was a kick ass summer. So much fun.
21.  I still keep thinking about my birthday party. It was EPIC! It came and went so fast.
22.  Steve Harvey regrets meeting with #45. Will he go further and speak out against him?
23. Shirley Strawberry on the Steve Harvey Morning Show over emphasizes all words that end in ay.. "day", "way", "stay". 
24.  Almost time for Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder. 
25. I'm not going to see It. I'm good.  
26. How much do these reporters get paid to stay out in the middle of these hurricanes? 
27. Prayers and thoughts to the people in Houston in Florida and Georgia. Praying for coverage and safety for you all. 

Peace and Love. 

CG2  

#40NEVERELTSOGOOD: In The Last 40 Years I've Learned:

At 40 Years Old I have learned:

Keep some of your goals private. Over the years I have learned that you cannot share you dreams and visons with everyone. People will try to talk you out of your aspirations and visions because it does not always make sense to them.   Most of the goals that I work on now are kept under wraps and only when they are ready to come into fruition are they vocalized.

My inner circle is smaller. I have learned that everyone you encounter is not going to be your friend. Your friends are the ones who make the time and the effort and most importantly sacrifice. Friendships are relationships.

I Don’t Give Passes . Far too often in my family there have been behaviors that continue to get dismissed and made light of.  You cannot continue to exhibit behaviors that are negative and toxic to a family unit without it being unchecked. Often time their past gets them the pass, or fear of their reaction. Therefore the behavior continue because there is no accountability. For me, this cannot continue. Love means holding others responsible for their actions. We are all on this road to help each other grow. Continuing to excuse negative behaviors is not helpful or  healthy to the family unit.

Its OK to say No. For years and years I used to be the person that would yes to everything. Like if someone needed help moving, borrowing money, attending an event. I would say yes and then feel angry at myself because I knew I was tired or had another event that day. Now its so much easier to say no and not necessarily give a reason other than “I can’t make it. Sorry.” That is all that is needed most of the time. Now of course I am there for my people that I love and would give me the same in return but you have to say no sometimes.

Loyalty is everything.  Loyalty is key for me these days. I give my friends and family 100% most of the time. Supporting their efforts, attending their events. So its not unreasonable to ask the same of them. If the relationship (rather it be family or friends) is 90/20 then that is not loyalty and at that point I reevaluate that relationship.

Manhood is not one thing. Often times, paints manhood with one brushstroke. You must be an alpha male that sleeps with a lot of women, talk a certain way, broadcast your love life, and know any and everything about sports. If not, then you are gay, weird, repressed, etc.  Growing up that was a constant issue for me. I always sought out the approval of some of my cousins who I felt looked differently at me. Now I am very comfortable in my own skin and I know that I am a great man. And I do not need that validated by anyone.

My opinions are my opinions. At 40 years old, and all the sacrifices, and hard work that I have put in over the years, I have earned a seat at the table. I have to right to speak out against things I disagree with. I have earned the right to speak against the issues that affect me, my family, my friends, my community and those that cannot speak for themselves. I have some things to contribute to the conversation and will continue to do so.

Its OK to be single and not have kids. I love my freedom and the ability to come and go as I please. I can travel, go out, rest, relax and not have to check in with anyone. Now I am not saying that married people or people in relationships have these issues all the time, but some do. I love my life and kids are a relationship is not needed to be validated. So many people feel like there is a void if you don’t have kids or are not married. Kids are a huge blessing but they are not for everyone.  And lets face it some people have kids and get married for the wrong reasons. And I am also saying I am closing to door to anything but I don’t get up every morning thinking my life is de void of anything because of it.

Traveling is great: Over the past 2 years I have been traveling quite a bit domestically and it feels great. I am looking forward to doing more traveling this year and next.  I work hard, and I deserve to play hard.

I Am Awesome!: I am finally at a point in my life where I really love myself and like the guy that I see. I have not always been able to say that. But I have been through a lot, accomplished a lot. I am grateful to God for who he created and of course there is things that need to be improved.  I am grateful.

#40NEVERFELTSOGOOD

Bare With Me: I'm Grieving

Wednesday Morning November 9, 2016…

I thought I was dreaming. I thought I had woken up from a really bad nightmare. I was anxious, nervous and restless, that probably had something to do with the fact that I only had 1.5 hours of sleep. I was hoping against hope it was really a bad dream a nightmare. It had to be. Surely, I would wake up in the morning and it would of all been a Dallas TV finale like dream.

Donald Trump would be our 45^th President of The United States.

God help us… what happened here?  The last month had not indicated this. Hillary Clinton was leading and was expected to win the Presidency by a landslide. Then on election night, she first lost Ohio, then Florida, then Pennsylvania. Hillary lost the election.

This was no dream….

I literally could not get out of bed. I was sick to my stomach. I had never experienced this type of disparity before. I have lost loved ones, and that is the only thing I could equate this type of pain to. Losing a loved one. I was grieving. That is what it was. I was grieving. What was I grieving?

I was grieving the loss of basic human rights and progress. For all the gains minorities have made particularly African-American ones. I grieved. I thought back to November 8, 2008. I thought of the moment President Barack Obama was declared President and I remember crying tears of joy and feeling extreme hope and optimism. I cried openly and felt so much accomplishment. Someone thought looked like me could be President of the United States. To see The Obamas on that stage in Chicago. I was empowered. I thought of my Grandmother Christine and Grandfather Rev. C.H Littlejohn and was so glad that they were alive to see this moment to which for them, because they probably never would have thought they would have witnessed this in their lifetime. All have the pain and strife they experienced in relation to Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement. 

Fast-forward to 8 years later, I was crying but not for the same reason. A man who ran his campaign on divisive, sexist, racist, homophobic, xenophobic garbage, threatened to undermine all of those accomplishments. I grieved for my grandparents and all the leaders of the civil rights movement because I feared all of the accomplishments and the legacy of our current President Barack Obama would be forever tarnished and destroyed by this man.

I grieved for my family, friends, and people I did not know who were now reporting that they were being harassed and bullied for being of ethnic background. Some (not all) of Donald Trump supporters who felt empowered because their champion, their new hero had won the election. They feel they no longer have to hide behind closed doors with their cowardice. They came out in the open and made threats. One woman said she was being harassed at a gas station and was told, “We won’t have to deal with you niggers much longer.” Then a gun was pulled out on her but they retreated since there were witnesses.

I grieved for the 22 million people that may now lose their healthcare coverage because Republicans want to keep their pockets fatter at the risk of so many humans who need a chance.

I grieved for my LGBTQ friends who were worried that their civil rights might also be in danger. Agree or disagree with their lifestyle, this is another group that were also facing harassment and hate filled attacks. As Christians, we are to have compassion at all times for all groups regardless of if we agree or disagree with their lifestyles.

I grieved for women everywhere (even the ones who voted for him) who were sent the message that a man who bragged about grabbing women inappropriately, who faces rape charges and countless lawsuits can do all that and still get elected to the highest office in the land. I also grieved or women everywhere who was also sent the message that you can be more qualified, more experienced, and still loses to a man with little or no experience.

I grieved for so many Americans who now felt discouraged, exhausted, torn down, and oppressed. Their fear and their worry are very valid. I grieved for the people who laughed at this fear and urged people to stop being so dramatic and quit being a sore loser, when it is actually so much more than that.

I grieved for the hypocrisy of this country. I grieved that the very ones who are calling for full support of President-Elect where the very ones who challenged President Obama on everything (questioning his citizenship, calling him a liar at State of the Union address, blocking his policies, refusing to call him President, putting a finger in his face, disrespecting his wife, children, on so many occasion). 

I grieved for the loss and change of friendships. Some friends I will never be able to look at the same. Not because of your vote or opinion, but because you heard Trump say those things, you heard Trump disrespect so many, you heard it all, yet you still voted for him, you were willing to overlook that, for what? For your religion? So you can get a better job? Cause of your fear of diversity? Because you are fearful of your toys (guns) being taken away?  I just can’t wrap my head around why for this situation. I supported people who voted for Dole, Bush, McCain, and Romney (the four elections I have been able to vote for) but this one will be hard, I just don’t know if I can look at some the same ever again. I am working on it.

I grieved for Christians. So many Christians voted for Trump despite the very vulgar things that he said about woman, the racist things he has said regarding Muslims, Mexicans, and African-Americans, they still voted for him  A man so opposite of what Christ stood for, was now a representative for some evangelicals. I grieved because those who have not yet come to Christ see this and now feel further separated from Christ.

I grieved for the many children who are fearful that their parents will be ripped away from them because they will be deported. One of my friend’s daughters even asked if Trump winning now means they will now go back to being slaves…

I grieve for those children who on Tuesday were sent the message that you can be a bully and win and not have any consequences.

Lastly, I grieved for myself and other African-American males for the fear of his man wanting to reinstitute Stop and Frisk, a policy that would immediately violate the civil rights of so many. Police mistrust is already an issue for me. The fear that I can be harassed legally and stopped for no reason (even without being in a car) scares me to death.

Some of you reading this may go, “Stop being so dramatic.” “Its not that serious.” “Get over it.” And what have you. I chose to respond as such. Until you know what it’s like to be harassed for the color if your skin (if you are white and say “I have been from black people, then you should be outraged and empathize then), or for what religion your practice, then please stay silent. Please hear what I say, please hear that so many our fearful. And that is real.

Four days letter, I am better. I am not 100% but my mind has been able to focus on other things, my appetite has come back, and I have been able to rest. I am encouraged by all the people banding together to show their displeasure in the results of the election. Understand, they (we) are frustrated and concerned. For the most part, the protest has been peaceful. Let people have this.  I pray that we can listen to each other (both sides) and come up with solutions. I pray the Trump supporters stop harassing ethnic groups. I pray people don’t attack Trump supporters. I am encouraged by all the people stepping up to assure immigrants that they are safe. I am encouraged by those who are showing compassion and love towards those who are dealing with the bullying and racism.

I pray for everyone who is reading this. Pray for this nation. But understand saying “Pray”, “God has it”, “God is control” should not be used as a passive way to let whatever happens happen. No , pray for your role in this. Pray for direction and guidance. Step up and get in your communities knowing that God has your back.

We will be OK. We will get through it. I am not rooting for Trump to fail, because we all fail.