An Open Letter to the Black Community

We need to deal with some issues!

Dear Black Community, Diaspora, My People:

Get your shit together!

We have let nearly 500 years of hatred and violence against our bodies slowly eat away at our collective soul.

Yes, we have survived and even thrived despite the hatred towards us in America. But if we look inward, in our own communities, we are disconnected from each other.

In urban communities, across major cities in the United States, crime has skyrocketed. I live in Boston, in an urban community, we’ve had houses broken into, cars vandalized and fights in front of businesses. Many of these incidents have been committed by Black people.

In other Boston neighborhoods, the incidents are worse. There have been shootings, claiming men, women, and children. Many of these incidents have occurred in the late evening or overnight. However, there have been incidents during the day, especially while schools have been in session.

One incident involved a 7-year-old boy. He is a student at Up Academy Holland. One day last week he brought a loaded gun to school. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. But it raised a lot of questions. Why did the boy bring the gun to school? How did he obtain the gun? Who actually owns the gun? I would ask the parents these questions.

Another incident took place in St Louis, Missouri. A Black teen came to his high school and shot several people, some fatally. This tragedy occurred while school was in session. But because the incident occurred at a predominantly Black school, news coverage was sparse. Again, where were the teen’s parents?

My people, we need to stop hurting and killing each other. Our “leaders” claim on a national stage that “Black on Black” crime doesn’t exist. But that isn’t the case in Black communities. There was been so many victims and so many burials of our own. And far too often it is we who have hurt or killed.

Black women, queens within the community, are often maligned by our own men. As Black men chase money and status, they often leave behind Black women. In many cases, these women have children left behind as well. Black children deserve stable families. They deserve parents who are involved in their lives. When this happens, Black kids are less likely to seek attention from gangs. They’re less likely to indulge in drugs or become involved in illegal activities. Black children are more likely to finish high school and go on to college.

Black parents mind your kids! Make sure they come to school ready to learn. They don’t need $200 Jordans and $75 backpacks. Black students need pens, pencils, notebooks, and open minds. They need to see education as a way out of poverty and urban violence. But much too often, in my experience, Black students see education as in the way.

Too many Black students, boys, and girls are not engaged in school. They’re more likely to be absent from school. They’re more likely to skip classes. They’re more likely to get into fights, bring drugs into school, and disrespect their teachers. Again, Black parents where are you?

Our Black children are the future of our people. We are not helping Black children to see that future. Too many Black adults are in jail, need mental health services, or are involved in street life. Our Black children look to us to lead them and too many of us are leading them nowhere.

Let’s get it together, my people! Remember, we are a people who are descended from greatness. Our African ancestors were kings and queens. They ruled empires for thousands of years. Before the Europeans came and stole the continent's riches, our people were the most advanced civilization on the planet.

Our history in America is full of greatness. Black children need to know more about that history. Black people have contributed so much to this country. Black children need to know we are authors, inventors, scientists, and professors. Black people built this country! Our backs still bear the scars of enslavement.

Black parents, do what you need to do and save your children. Our children deserve more than ducking bullets on their way to school. They deserve more than stepping over dead bodies on their way home. We are a people with a great history. It is time to return to that greatness.