For you, Trayvon, and for all Black kids in America

I do not know where to begin or even how I want to frame this message. I just know that I want to DO something. I have been blessed with many opportunities in life and if I don't use those opportunities to share my experiences or to uplift my race, then my success is in vain. To much is given, much is expected. Yes, I consider myself an activist. Yes, I believe in Black Power; and Yes, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So today, I will showcase those three entities with discussing my views on the Trayvon Martin case verdict and the remarks I have heard from others within the Black community.

The Innocence of a Black Teenager in America

For those who share my skin color, being Black/Brown (as a race or skin color) is a hard ass job in the world. A job that offers no benefits, no retirement plan, and no entry manual or training. As we have seen countless of times throughout the world and more specifically in the United States, a person of color can walk down the street and with unjust cause become a victim of murder. Innocent with Innocence. Virtually the same word, but I will use in two different contexts. Trayvon Martin was an innocent teenager walking unarmed with a bag of skittles and a Arizona flavored drink. 11 days after he turned 17 years old, Trayvon Martin was killed walking to his father's girlfriend house. Not even considered an adult in the so-called "land of the free", Trayvon still had his innocence. I know some may scoff at me calling Trayvon innocent or having innocence with him smoking weed, fighting in school, or being a "delinquent", but on his last day on earth; he was still a child...minding his business...on his way from a convenience store. Children, including me, have done wrong growing up; have made mistakes. Who hasn't? 

From the line of Kendrick Lamar, "I'll wait...your rebuttal is a little too late." There are things George Zimmerman may regret as a teenager; hopefully as an adult he regrets killing an innocent Black teenager. 

The Verdict-NOT GUILTY 

For the life of me, I cannot fathom how justice was served today. Not Guilty...Really? But then again, why am I not surprised? I am not a lawyer, nor do I fully understand America's justice system but I have to agree with countless of Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook posts, "The justice system cannot fail those whom it was never built to protect." I don't understand the Stand Your Ground law, nor the statement Zimmerman used as self-defense since the 911 dispatcher told him NOT to pursue the "suspicious-looking" teenager. Not to pursue. Not to pursue. This statement is so ironic since Zimmerman did not listen, got in an altercation, was losing the altercation (that he pursued), and fired a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in Trayvon Martin's chest. Who cares if he was using it as self-defense, he shouldn't have pursued him in the first place! Like my father said, "he should have stayed in the car." So why is he free? Because not enough EVIDENCE beyond a reasonable doubt to claim it wasn't self-defense, but EVIDENTLY someone did die that day and it was the one being pursued, sooo how is that self-defense when Zimmerman initiated the confrontation? I'll wait...

The Social Media Outcry

There are three types of people right now speaking out on Social Media. Two of those types I can understand and respect their decision regardless. The two are advocates for 1. Trayvon Martin and 2. George Zimmerman. This third type I can not understand nor stand by and let such ignorant comments surface without speaking up. They criticize the attention of the Trayvon Martin case and wonder why it is national news when Black on Black crime happens everyday and "nothing" is being done to reduce the violence in these neighborhoods. Some are even creating jokes on this matter. Sadly, the majority of these critiques are coming from the Black community, which saddens and embarrasses me. If we continue to joke or critique the efforts once issues do become national news, who are we to become angry when society does not take us seriously? To add,  for those critics who are being pessimistic and wondering where is the justice all over Black communities in the US; let me ask one question: What are YOU doing to eliminate criminality among Black people? I'll wait...

Let me be clear: I am not advocating Trayvon Martin should receive special treatment since it was not Black on Black crime, because Lord knows the Black community has a problem handling issues without killing each other; but instead of complaining on social media about the increasing amount of crime in the Black community, be the voice to improve, not bring down. 

For someone who has studied Black street gangs for two years, and is currently writing a Masters thesis on LA Crips and Bloods, I completely understand the detriments of crime in our neighborhoods. This is one of the reasons why I am so angry and disappointed about social media posts. There are numerous grass-roots organizations and community groups who are fighting for peace and justice in Black communities. With this being said, for those who are spewing lies and ignorance about how no one is stopping Black on Black crime, educate yourself and join an organization in your neighborhood. And just a little background and contextual information: most Black on Black crimes occur due to the structural and cultural forces set by the racist societal system in America, so how about not only joining an organization committed to reducing the violence in the community, but can you also give a brother a job? I'll wait...

A Peaceful Solution

Sadly, Trayvon Martin was not the first Black teenager to be wrongfully murder and unfortunately, will not be the last. I have twin brothers who will be 17 years old next month and they are some big boys! I continuously pray for their well-being and to not become a victim of racial profiling. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and come judgment day everyone will have to answer to the Lord Almighty. George Zimmerman may be considered Not Guilty in America's legal system, but he still has to explain his actions, just like everyone else, to the Father. God knows Zimmerman's true intentions on that day. Although, I feel as though justice has not been served today, Zimmerman can never return to his old life and never be rid of Trayvon's blood on his hands. I pray for peace and reconciliation for both families. If you are like me and tired of waiting, become educated and get involved. Use this lesson for fuel to save another Black child from a senseless murder.