April 4th is the day we lost a king, Dr. King was assasinated on a motel balcony April 4th, 1968. In his last sermon prior to his death, he stated “I’ve seen the promise land, I may not get there with you, …but I want you to know know we as a people will get to the promise land.” Many of us are still reveling in the death of Nipsey Hussle as well and creating defense mechanisms for losing great thinkers, revolutionary leaders, and activists by choosing to re-evaluate and define trust, loyalty and perception. As a whole mamas have decided to love our family particularly our Black fathers and sons more intensively while also being overtly protective of their surroundings.
We’ve even discussed within our circles of how our leaders, agents of change need more security to be well and/or compared to others who can invest in communities of color, gentrification, without loss. Lastly, sadly many of us are beck to popularizing and have reverted back to glorifying and honoring distrust, haters and lack of love as a way of living in order to survive. Yet, I still believe we are missing the mark. As hard as it is to grasp the loss of a forward, progressive, liberal advocate, I know in my heart no man that leads by example in life does so without being unwilling to die for his morals and choices. Now, it is not an anxious ask, most want to get to the promised land together in a life of longevity. However, to not move forward with progress makes his life and many others work of less value. That’s how you value kings, fathers, sons, husbands who were so strong and relentless. Forget chess, and believing there is one king and pawns should always protect him. We have/are so royal that our success can no longer be denied, forgotten or reverted due to fear and cynicism . When one falls, many rise to the call unlike the propaganda of hopelessness that is spreading so quickly after this tragedy. Philosopher Homer told us “victory, itself shifts from man to man.” So many from well-known celebrities to the next door Mr. and Mrs. along witg mamas supporting mamas are aggressively choosing causes that are for the people, investing in Black communities, business and individuals of color and so much more, also known as WOKE. So the “marathon continues”, we must get there to collectively to have our “victory lap.” And I and my family aren’t raising children to be a product of fear, we believe in Dr. King’s philosophies in lieu; “courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear. ” We are raising leaders to pick up the baton whenever and wherever it is passed to you, run the race impressively. Stay woke, stay determined and stay united without unease for we are almost there-promise land.
So many have sacrificed for it willingly. Nipsey didn’t all of sudden, as a well known figure, walk the streets of his hood without knowing the everyday dangers, he did it in spite of it, for it was necessary and he was willing to be there at all costs; “he was a movement more than a musician.” Remember “Dedication is hard work plus patience, The sum of all sacrifice…” Dr.King’s last sermon, the night prior of his death states ” like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will”, and that’s purpose and I’m so thankful that so many of us are learning and walking in purpose. Thank you Nipsey for living and walking in yours. As parents we “must learn to live together or perish together as fools.” We are not fools mamas….
Say Hey to Mama 