After public outrage around the Charleston terrorist attack reached a fever pitch this week, politicians did what they do best—react.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley joined a bipartisan group of politicians to declare that while Charleston’s and South Carolina’s history with the Confederate Flag runs deep, it’s time for the flag that represents hatred and racism to so many, be removed from public grounds.
What we know, however, is that the Confederate flag and what it represents is just the tip of the iceberg. While we can remove the flag from public grounds the real question becomes, can we remove the legacy of bigotry and white supremacy that has become a part of America’s DNA?
Pop Off of the Week: A Wobble of Good Faith
Patrol officer David Lee of the Hickory Police Department in North Carolina attended a BBQ thrown jointly by the police department and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to build some goodwill and have a good time--and that they did. When the “Wobble” came on the officer in full gear joined in on the fun—and the video has since gone viral. You see, it IS possible to protect, serve AND engage your community.
Poliwood Round-Up: Trending Topics in the #BlackTwitterverse This Week
Trend of the Week: #TakeDownTheFlag When citizens gather their voices in unison the product is a massive cultural shift. Since the terrorist attack at Mother Emmanuel in Charleston there have been calls to #TakeDownTheFlag. The Confederacy whose legacy is steeped in anti-blackness, terrorism and bigotry was first hung in direct opposition to Brown vs. Board of Education and proposed theories of integration.
Many southern politicians have claimed it as part of southern pride—while others have looked at it as a reminder of America’s torrid past. After a racist fueled attack left 9 churchgoers dead many have asked for the flag to be removed and the calls are being answered. Remember—“a people UNITED, shall never be divided." #OurVoicesMatter.
THREE: Papa Don’t Play
When the cable news ticker stated that Sean “Diddy” Combs, music mogul, hype man extraordinaire and vodka connoisseur was arrested for “assault” I was sure I read the screen wrong. Reports are mixed but some say that Diddy, upset with how his son Justin was being treated and “bullied” by his strength coach at UCLA, wanted to speak with the coach. When the coach refused to talk and threatened to call campus security Diddy replied that he would “call the LAPD,” but all he wanted to do was talk.
Somewhere in the heated exchange a kettlebell got involved and Diddy got arrested and must appear in court in July. What we do know—is that nobody messes with a Combs! #FamilyFirst
TWO: You’re in My House
President Obama has been the only president in history of the United States to open the White House doors in recognition and celebration of LGBT Pride month. For the past several years, the Obama Administration has taken great strides in recognizing and addressing the needs of the LGBT community. This week in the midst of the president’s remarks, Jennicent Gutierrez, an undocumented transgender woman began chanting for the release of detained transgender immigrants that are being subjected to undue violence. While her points are absolutely valid, many including myself who was in attendance at the event question the timing. President Obama’s response, “look, you’re in my house, you can either be quiet and enjoy the event or be escorted out”. She chose the latter. Activism is at the core of progress—I just wonder if we ever get a moment to honor how far we’ve come before we’re on to the next set of injustices.
Related: Obama Heckled at White House LGBT Pride Event
ONE: #LOVEWINS
In a 5-4 decision the Supreme Court has now made same-sex marriage legal across all 50 states of this country. The President said, “today our union became a little more perfect… but we still have work to do”.
Now, regardless of where you live in this country same-sex couple’s love and union will be respected and recognized legally. What we know is that marriage was never our destination—equality for all is. We still have so much work to do, but today we celebrate!
