FIGHT THE POWER

I'm so sickened by the events taking place within my community that I felt compelled to speak from the heart today. I haven't done one of these in a while but its needed. As many of you know, the Flatbush section of Brooklyn has been rioting ever since a sixteen year old by the name of +Kimani Gray was gunned down by the police a few days ago. Shot eleven times, talk about excessive force! There are conflicting stories whether he had a gun or not but I can't speculate since I wasn't there. Only his friends know what truly transpired. These people rioting don't understand that you can't fight the power with aggression. History has taught us that much, but no one wants to take heed. Dr. King opposed using violence during his peaceful protests, but even that didn't help cause demonstrators were beat on constantly. People talk about revolution but have the faintest idea what that entails. We're just looking for an excuse to be indignant and defy the law. We're amused and some find it exciting and entertaining just to be a part of something but when it all blows up everyone takes refuge. People these days lack direction, our youth are misguided and whats sad is the fact that this goes on all the time. It's now we decide to step up, but where's that same passion when one of our own is killed in our community? Community leaders are not trusted anymore, the public has lost interest and trust. They have no power, just a platform to speak for political gain. It's all about the next vote for them. A little press time makes for a strong campaign. You siding with the enemy and don't know whats really happening under your nose. Years ago, we had a million man march and I really thought our people were heading in the right direction. A lot of social issues were addressed, strangers came together and unified for a common cause. But the problem is, there's no consistency. People need consistency. Problem these days is the fact that a lot of youth look up to the older guys in their neighborhood. Kids emulate what they see so they're being misdirected and misled. The older guys teach them all the wrong things, but when the smoke clears they disappear. They're nowhere to be found! One of the reasons why I don't even post is because I've realized people want you to dumb it down. When it comes to speaking about reality, no one wants to hear it. Talk about whose the best rapper or any kind of gossip everyone pays attention then. It's sad but its harsh reality. The police officers involved have already been involved in five federal law suits prior to this incident costing the city $215,000 in settlements. They violated numerous civil rights violations, one officer was found in violation of numerous false arrests and illegal stop and search incidents. My question is, how does all this information get overloooked? They had no business on the street and should have been on modified duty. Just goes to show you no one cares, locking people up illegally is routine standard procedure. They should be tried and treated like any other person, just cause your an officer of the law doesn't hand you the right to shoot and kill people. Police need to be penalized and brought to justice for their actions period, but history has taught us this is not usually the case. No one wants to step up until it hits home. It doesn't matter if this kid is not related to me or you. The fact that it can happen to one of your kids is enough to make you want to spark a fire. We all got time to post random things online but I challenge you to not hold your tongue on issues affecting our communities. We talk about revolution but truth of the matter is people are not ready for it. Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk. Condolences to the family for suffering through their ordeal, but people really need to wipe the wool from their eyes. FIGHT THE POWER!!!