Did you remember? To wear black today? In support of the Jena 6? I’d link to it but I’m on the verge of crawling back into bed. (This cold thing ain’t playing with me so, I’m not gonna play with it either. I can’t wait to be on the other side of this thing…my cold…and Jena 6.)

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve stumbled upon some very interesting conversations. I know that it was by design but still…

One such conversation started out about Jena 6 then morphed into a discussion of a “colorless society”. One person said it would never happen because Black people had too much “invested” in being “black”. Um…er….rum….what? Now, HE meant in terms of affirmative action and whatever else “some” people see as white America having “bent over backwards time and time again” (his words - not mine).

*Sigh* Wanna know what I believe? I believe that it is possible for me to acknowledge, celebrate, embrace, and honor the truth of who I am - an African-American woman - that leaves more than enough room for other people to do the same.

I believe that it is unnecessary and highly unlikely that I will ever apologize or feel bad about the color of the skin I’m in. Check the tag: designer’s finest Baby - made by G.O.D. Stitched to perfection.

I believe that a “colorless society” asks people to ignore a major component of who we are as individuals - it asks us to not see the customs, the history, the intricacies that help make others who they are. How are you going to befriend someone if you’re only looking at half of that person? Personally, I love learning about different cultures, different religions, etc.

I believe that even when I don’t “flaunt” my blackness, there are people who will make it an issue, subtly or otherwise. From the way I wear my hair to the way I speak (cause I don’t “sound black”…whatever that means). The majority of us live above all that noise and nonsense but I gotta tell you….every once in a while, it gets to be a bit much.

I believe that, as “far” as we may have come….we still have miles to go before we sleep. Jena 6 is evidence of that.

I believe that, NO MATTER HOW MANY “TREES” YOU CUT DOWN, IF YOU DON’T PULL UP THE ROOT….YOU HAVEN’T DONE NOTHING.

Peace. Be well.

Marinate on these quotes:

“Strange is our situation here on earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of humanity . . . For the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow human beings, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received and am still receiving.” ~ Albert Einstein ~

“I don’t have a minute to hate. I will pursue justice for the rest of my life.” ~ Mamie Till Mobley ~

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Justice is what LOVE looks like in public.” ~ Tavis Smiley

Harmony

Harmony does not mean that everyone is in agreement. It means that no one is attempting to force his or her opinions on others.

Harmony does not mean that everyone is the same. It means that everyone respects and tolerates and even celebrates the differences that give so much richness to life.

Harmony is not ever achieved by brute force. Harmony is reached when every individual understands, on his or her own terms, that it is by far the most effective way to live.

Harmony does not come about through intimidation or scolding or threats of punishment. Harmony is reached through understanding.

Harmony cannot exist where people are interested only in what they can take. Harmony is built through giving.

Harmony comes not by giving in or by being weak or by surrendering one’s most treasured principles, or by the cowardly attempt to control others. Harmony is the domain of those who are confident enough in their own lives to allow others to peacefully flourish.

– Ralph Marston

“Love’s in need…of love today….” ~ Stevie Wonder ~ (Sang it Stevie, Sang it!

As always….Live DELICIOUSLY!