African American Awareness (AFAA)

If knowledge is power and there is strength in numbers, then many people knowing a lot has got to be a force to be reckoned with. Far too often we, African-American/Black People never Niggas, are powerless to the issues and problems we face in our homes, communities, cities, states, and this country. I do not have to tell you that we are victims of racial discrimination, injustice, police brutality, health issues, and a whole slew of issues that are projected on us and others that we bring upon ourselves on a daily bases. Also, I don’t have to tell you that these problems are some, not all, of the root reasons for the perception and stereotypes black people face today.

Just because something is not directed at you, does not mean that is does not affect you. Far too often we pass things off as not being important because they did not directly affect us or someone close to us. But a great man we all respect, by the name of Martin Luther King Jr. said that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He was basically telling us that what affects one of us affects all of us no matter how small the affect may be when it gets to us personally.

Unfortunately, unlike most ethnic groups, we all have the burden of uplifting a nation. The efforts, achievements, and actions of anyone of us are a direct reflection on all of us, and vice versa. We must become a responsible people; responsible for our individual actions and the actions of others. We are our brother’s and our sister’s keeper, and we have to take ownership of everything we do. Not just the good, but we also must take ownership of the bad. So much that, it pisses you, me, and all of us off when one of us messes up, and we feel a personal need or obligation to correct the issue ourselves.

Now this is not a “take pity on us black folk” or “we are the victims” group. The goal of this group is to be a source of empowerment. We need to get as many people in this group, and we need everyone to be active. I want everyone to network and inform each other of issues and problems that are happening across the United States. Once again, in the black community, there are a lot issues that are projected on us and others that we bring upon ourselves that we can discuss. Now, anybody and everybody talk about the problems, but very few try to provide a solution to those problems. This will not be one of those groups. We are not only going to talk about these problems, but we are going to propose solutions to these problems. I want us to be solutionist (new word) to the problems we face today and tomorrow.

In order for this group to be a true force in the eyes of our communities, schools, churches, and political leaders, we need to have members numbering in the thousands. So when we say something or speak out against a wrong, we are heard by everyone not just those close to us. “Anything worth having is worth fighting for” and Fredrick Douglas told us that “Without struggle there can be no progress.” So, it is going to take time to build this group into what we want it to be, but I believe that we will be a positive voice for our communities and those who may not be heard otherwise.