Demanding Accountability of Local, State and National Black Politicos

"In 1866, one year after the 13 Amendment was ratified (the amendment that ended slavery), Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, and South Carolina began to lease out convicts for labor (peonage). This made the business of arresting Blacks very lucrative, which is why hundreds of White men were hired by these states as police officers. Their primary responsibility was to search out and arrest Blacks who were in violation of Black Codes. Once arrested, these men, women and children would be leased to plantations where they would harvest cotton, tobacco, sugar cane. Or they would be leased to work at coal mines, or railroad companies. The owners of these businesses would pay the state for every prisoner who worked for them; prison labor."

This is one of the underpinnings of how crime is approached in America and the intentionally manufactured, longstanding stereotype of the darker hue as a criminal. And more pointedly demonstrates how corporatists and land barons must have cheap labor in a capitalist system, by any means necessary. Prisoners all over America, continue to work for many corporations, for pennies on the dollar. So when they bring the black or brown is deviant as reasons for our low social standing, or why is there so much crime in some communities and not in others... point them to this shit. This needs to be a prioritized lynch pin, to be pulled in the re-imagination of America. This would need to happen by black political leaders who ain't bought and paid for once they get to the big house (and that is a tough one; cause you know, white folks act up when the get to the big house too). I know reparations is all the hype, but what's the point of having money, if they can still put your ass in jail in a heartbeat? Further, this is a good example of what the Republicans and Centrist Democrats are trying to protect, and hear me on this - the ability to limit the autonomy of the other.

Black people and our representatives must understand that policy and legislation is game; and when we choose to pursue these ambitions and roles; when our community puts people in office - we expect a posture that demonstrates, how to be in it and not of it. Prioritizing us, if you will, is not symbols, shine, trends, window dressing on critical issues that mean life and death for black people on the streets. And it is not capitulation to the lure of materialism in the form the "benefits of concession." It's tough, I get it... the benefits, resources, power - are massive. Those who inherited the legacy of the civil rights movement and many of those they have groomed, in grand Soror and Fraternal fashion, as they revel in the accoutrements of the beast, would do well to remember, what their mission is...

America's promises, were never meant for us; and I wanna know what the Black Caucus has been doing for 50 phucking years, that the type of criminal legislation, described here... is still on the books; like that voting rights snafu in the 14th as well; that could eliminate our ability to be represented and be a part of the balloting process, at the stroke of a pen... What the hell are our black reps doing? Other than perhaps becoming fat black capitalists and ensuring that systemically, ADOS can remain subservient and entrenched in economic, legislative and community systems, that are designed to eliminate much of our people's ability to thrive?

Locally, across the State, and nationally, every black legislator needs to be called on the carpet regarding their performance and its substantive contribution to the black communities they serve. What performance outcomes can they demonstrate that substantiate their constituents ability to thrive, to be healthy, to excel free of artificial limitations? Like white privilege - you know?

This is particularly relevant, as ADOS seeks to redefine what it is collectively, we as a people, should be doing... and pointedly, what we are worth. Nationally, the examples of Stacey Abrams, who represented Georgia, in her run for the Gubernatorial seat, demonstrates how to use power. In the chambers, would that they knew, the Democratic party needs to follow "The Squad" and their efforts to level the playing field in American politics and more importantly; American morality.

In NJ, most of the folks I lampoon, tend to play it safe; focused on ensuring re-election and what is termed as constituent relations. I give the Elder Statesman Ronald Rice some credit; he's been in the back rooms trying to unpack these intentional policy conundrums for years; he has real fire for the people and the mission - he understands and has the conviction for change; believes in and works it. Ras Baraka as well; as NJ black state legislators go... these two, I admire - there are others I'm sure, but not on my radar; not in Trenton.

I'd like to see more of our representatives, the cadres of black lobbyists, decision makers in corporate policy at the Fortune 500s, the talented tenth in leadership of high impact non profit organizations, demonstrate increased CONVICTION to more foundational issues; that impact our ability to thrive - and not half hearted measures that play nice with organizational machines, systems, contributors - without addressing the underlying causes written into the rubric of America's love affair with black people. The fact that this foundational legislation/act, is on the books (among many others) driving the criminalization of black people, for more than one hundred and 140 years now, is a testimony to the performance of our politicians - since they've been allowed to be in the game - and while they may be looking good and getting fat; they are not doing well when we consider how they are impacting the autonomy of their charges.

#eliminatepoliceimmunitynow! #stoppimpinyourown #noneofthishistoryhasbeencorrected #whatthephuckyalldoin'?