We Are Not Our Ancestors

Today’s Black Folk Lack the Courage

Was the Montgomery Brawl a change in the attitudes of Black people or a blip in history? The brawl, viewed by millions on every social media platform and broadcast by major news networks, had many people in the Black community stand up and take notice. Memes and jokes aside, the brawl was significant. We came together as a people to help each other. We put our fears and differences aside and focused on a common enemy — white racism. It may be a sign that change has finally come or it may be another incident that’s soon forgotten.

Since the late 1970s, Black people have fallen off when it comes to fighting back against the oppressive system of Whiteness. Numerous reports since the 197s, show while Blacks have made gains in the U.S., we’re still not on par with White America. You can find evidence in housing, health care, education, and employment. The disparities continue and if anything have gotten worse.

While there have been thousands of protests since the Civil Rights Movement, these protests haven’t moved the needle as far as we’d hope. Dr. King and his allies made huge gains for Black people during the 1960s. However, we’ve seen those gains slowly erode in many states (look at Florida and Texas). The current Supreme Court is continuing the erosion with the ending of Roe v. Wade and Affirmative Action. We can’t even get help with our student loans (which affects millions of Black people). We need to rise up and revolt. like our ancestors. But I feel we are not like them at all.

There were hundred enslaved revolts during the Enslavement period. There were race riots during the Reconstruction Period and well into the early twentieth century. Our ancestors knew how to shut things down! And they did it by any means necessary!

Peaceful or not, our ancestors risked their lives to be treated with dignity and respect. They’d come together to plan, send signals, and create maps to alert other slaves. They knew the risk but didn’t care — they wanted their freedom.

During Jim Crow, our ancestors held their heads up high despite being spat on by ignorant white mobs, beaten with clubs, and attacked by dogs. They didn’t cower in a corner. Black people knew that dignity and respect were worth fighting for.

Dr. King, Malcolm X, and the Black Panthers were about Black voices being heard and Black dignity being at the forefront of the conversation. Our ancestors wanted all Blacks in America to be treated with respect. They sought equality and in many cases, were willing to confront police and armies to make it happen.

But look at us today. The generations after the 60s. We have fallen off so hard that when some of us speak on it, we get trolled online. Often our own kind is against any pushback of the status quo (Candace Owens). Social Media is a great tool to spread the word about Black History and Black resistance. I follow many creators on Instagram and Facebook who provide knowledge, history, and resources about the Black experience in America. But when something goes down, we protest, but then what?

The what is we protest but then some of us go into our neighborhoods and trash buildings and businesses. If we go downtown, we rob stores and destroy government property. White America already views us as dangerous and destructive. Why are we proving them right?

Case in point, the murder of George Floyd led to a global uprising. People were marching all across America, Asia, Europe, and everywhere in between. The chant of BLACK LIVES MATTER could be heard around the world. It was a beautiful thing to see and hear. But I wonder, if the people who were recording the officer sitting on George Floyd had done more and stepped in — would the outcome be different?

Now, some may think, but the police had guns! True. But we had numbers. Someone should have rushed in to save Floyd from being choked to death. Yet, people just stood there shouting and recording the horror. Would our ancestors have stood back? I don’t think so. Remember, they faced guns as well and still fought against injustice.

Remember the Montgomery Bus Boycott? After the White bus driver disrespected Rosa Parks, she led thousands of Black people in protest against the bus company. People got together and carpooled or walked and the bus company nearly went bankrupt. The power of Black resistance brought about change

Where is Black resistance now? We’re so caught up in flashing stacks of money, showing off designer clothing, and chasing clout that many Black people have become lost in the sauce of capitalism. Believe me, I’ve seen too many Black students go insane if an adult takes away their cell phone. I’ve seen too many Black parents come to meetings reeking of weed. We may protest, but we’re not out here committing a January 6th — level of attack.

To be clear, I don’t agree with what happened on January 6th. It was a sad day in history. But my point is this — those white people were willing to risk it all for Trump. They fought with the police. They attacked soldiers. They broke into the Capitol looking for VP Mike Pence and other members of Congress. It was wrong, but they didn’t care. They took action against what they perceived as an injustice.

Our ancestors fought against slavery and Jim Crow, which were legal during their time. But it was an injustice and they battled against it. We have cops shooting young Black boys (Tamir Rice and Mike Brown), murdering women (Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor), and assaulting our elderly (an older Black woman was attacked by a police dog). Black people are quick to protest and even file a lawsuit, but the injustices continue to happen.

White America only understands violence. Their mindset is “might make right.” Why do you think we have so many nuclear weapons? Wars are fought between human beings. America’s arsenal is so huge it’s like we’re fighting a horde of Godzillas or a massive alien invasion! We don’t need to destroy the world! Black people need to stop protesting and filing lawsuits. We need to fuck shit up!

That’s why I wonder if the Montgomery Brawl was a sign that Black people have snapped out of their self-absorbed ways or if it was just an anomaly. Only time will tell. I’m not advocating for another Civil War, but how long are we as Black people going to continue letting systemic racism and white supremacy disrespect us?

Our ancestors are watching and waiting.