America Is Who She Always Was
Vol. 1, No. 2, January 12th, 2021
America Is Who She Always Was
Vol. 1, No. 2, January 12th, 2021
Unless you have been in the most remote parts of the world without internet access, no form of journalism readily available, and unable to receive smoke signals, then you’ve seen and/or heard what transpired at the U.S. capitol last week. The madness that occurred in the U.S. Capitol was shocking to so many people in both national and global communities. However, Black people in America are surprised that everyone else is surprised. Let’s not forget, this is the same country that was built on the transaction of free human labor then proceeded to enact laws for these once enslaved people and future generations wouldn’t prosper or receive equal treatment in a country they built. America has never held the moral high ground or taken full accountability for its treatment of Black people and its participation in upholding racism. America states she has certain ideals (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) that she was founded upon, yet she has yet to truly live up to them.
In previous writing I stated, America is burning and I stand by those words. The fire started from within and I have little hope that it will cease. What I do know with certainty is what this country has always been, a land where privilege and skin color coalesce. Where the heavy fists of the state’s militarized police force comes down on people peacefully calling for justice in the death of Black people thru excessive police force, while conversely applying kiddie gloves to the violent behavior of insurrectionists.
As the world looks on with eyes filled with surprise and disgust, Black people watch from the sidelines with all too knowing glances. We’ve shouted with all the breath in our lungs that something like this would happen once the current president was elected in 2016. We were largely ignored or told our predictions were paranoia induced. Again, the America you see now is the America we’ve always known.
Politics
Democrats in the U.S. gain control of the Senate
On Tuesday, January 5th, Democrats gained control of the U.S. Senate resulting from the Senate runoff election victories of Rev. Raphael Warnock (member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) and Jon Ossoff. Warnock and Ossoff both campaigned in runoff elections in Georgia against Kelly Loeffler and incumbent David Perdue respectively. Interesting to note, both Rev. Warnock and Ossoff have connections to the late Congressman John Lewis. Rev. Warnock is currently the pastor of the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church, which John Lewis attended and Ossoff was a former intern for Congressman Lewis. Rev. Warnock not only is the 11th Black U.S. senator, but the first Black person elected to the Senate from Georgia.
Business Moves
“The Rock” partners to launch energy drink
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has partnered with his ex-wife, Dany Garcia, Garcia’s husband Dave Rienzi, and John Shulman to launch an energy drink. The team partnered with the producers of Coors Lite and Blue Moon to create ZOA, an energy drink with superfoods and natural caffeine. “I’m very passionate about ZOA. I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve our eager consumers with ZOA – the ultimate healthy and immunity-supporting energy drink that’s the first of its kind, thanks to our unique combination of ingredients,” said Johnson. ZOA will be available for purchase in March 2021.
Sports
LeBron James addresses the attempted coup of the U.S. Capitol
NBA veteran LeBron James is never shy when addressing social injustice issues affecting Black people in America. James gave his view point during a press conference on Thursday, January 7th, a day after the attempted coup of the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump supporters. "We live in two Americas," James said in a press conference following the Lakers' game against the San Antonio Spurs, according to CNN. "And that was a prime example of that yesterday, and if you don't understand that or don't see that after seeing what you saw yesterday, then you really need to take a step back — not even just one step, but maybe four or five, or even 10 steps backwards and ask yourself how do you want your kids, or how do you want your grandkids, or how do we want America to be viewed as? Do we want to live in this beautiful country?"
What I’m Listening To
This week has been particularly introspective, so I’ve been playing Cincoriginals by Tobe Nwigwe really heavy. If the name sounds familiar, you may have seen Tobe on Instagram with his wife Fat on his Get Twisted Sundays releases. If you’re looking to feel something while enjoying meaningful lyrical content then check out this album. Stand out songs for me are “Father Figure”, “Eat”, and “Purple Rain Thing”.
Notables
Did you know the Black Americans are 40% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 20% more likely to die from it than most other groups? This is data according to the American Cancer Society. This is a great wake up call for many of us to schedule visits with our general physicians and discuss preventive measures as we age.
Even though the U.S. presidential inauguration cannot come soon enough, know that there may be even more shenanigans and skullduggery (shout out to Spike Lee) happening in the days and months ahead. Be safe and stay dangerous
“Aspire to inspire before you expire.” - Rev. Dr. Said L. Sewell, III