As no surprise to anyone Black in America or the world for that matter, trauma continues to haunt us with no reprise. We’re constantly physiologically attacked at every turn in of our existence. It’s all so fucking exhausting. I honestly wish I could ignore it for the betterment of my mental health, unfortunately, I cannot. One doesn’t just simply exist in this world and be Black. Our skin is something of a beacon for admiration, fetishization, and discrimination. As we can count on the sun rising and setting each day, we can guarantee that America will continue to inflict trauma onto Black folks.
In these last couple of weeks, Black people in America especially, have had to deal with the Derek Chauvin trial, DMX’s untimely demise, and the piece of shit that left Jacob Blake paralyzed the eventually returning back to duty with no reprimand. To finally add insult to injury, the death of Daunte Wright.
Feel free to research on your own how a 20-year-old young man who was a father, brother, and son was gunned down by a police officer that claims she intended to use her taser on Daunte instead of her pistol. Add that to the long list of police officers that somehow “thought” something which eventually led to the death of a Black person. Yeah, accidents happen with the police, they just conveniently seem to happen more with Black people in America. I’m extremely tired and I’ve grown too accustomed to the State-sanctioned death of Black people.
America is being America again and she would rather see herself destroyed than work towards the aims she extols - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s a mantra that only rings true for so few of us. One cannot claim to be the greatest country on one hand and commit the gravest atrocities to its citizens on another hand. The hypocrisy is not only appalling, but pathetic. Through all of this madness happening, we’ll find ourselves in this same place a few weeks from now. The trauma will continue unabated.
Over these next few days, Black people will hear from politicians to celebrities to corporations on how truly apologetic they are for our plight. Black people will be trolled, gaslit, and dismissed. People will make social media posts in solidarity. Corporations will pander to our economic prowess. Politicians will promise to enact better policies. Nothing will change. I repeat, nothing will fucking change. Another Black person will be dead in the streets by next month. Rinse and repeat.
I'm just so fucking tired of the senseless disregard for Black bodies by the State. It’s the same country of people that couldn’t pause it’s own self-interests to ensure people in its own borders didn’t continue to spread a disease that has killed over half a million of its own. It’s the apathy for me. And it will not change. America will continue being America.
Business Moves
Flutterwave, fintech company, gets billion-dollar valuation
There’s more refreshing news coming out of Nigeria, as Flutterwave, has obtained a billion-dollar valuation. The company specializes in financial technology that “provides the easiest and most reliable payments solutions for businesses anywhere in the world.” Flutterwave has secured another round of funding that will help the company speed up customer acquisition in its present markets.
Sports
Eddie George named head coach of Tennessee State University football team
Tennessee State University has hired former National Football League player, Eddie George, as head coach for their football program. George is a Pro Bowl running back and former college Heisman Trophy winner. George is a first time coach, looking to turn around TSU’s program and make them eventual contenders in college football.
What I’m Listening To
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for singers. Those that have voices that truly carry and are memorable. I found such a singer in Shantel May. I first heard her as a feature on dvsn’s song “...Again”. If you’ve listened to the track, then you know she killed it. Recently, she released an EP entitled, Don’t Let Them See You Cry. It’s a great piece of work that is regrettably short, but leaves you eventually wanting more. All the tracks are standouts. Go listen to it on all of the digital streaming platforms.
Notables
On April 15th of each year, Major League Baseball celebrates the legacy of Jackie Robinson. The Hall of Fame baseball player is herald for breaking the color barrier during the modern era of baseball in 1947. As such, Robinson endured racial epithets and countless discriminatory acts during his days as a Brooklyn Dodger. In 1997, the MLB retired his number (42) throughout the entire league. The tradition of Jackie Robinson Day began April 15, 2004 and sees all players, coaches, and umpires wearing the No. 42 to celebrate his great legacy.
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires” ― Nelson Mandela