A New Awakening

By Dexter McLeod, 
Editor L.A. South Connections

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The George Floyd Murder was the “Tipping Point” for  this  generation of Americans.  It sparked a new awakening of protest and demonstration around the world, that we have not seen before. Thousands of young, motivated, determined protesters from all races and backgrounds joined together for a common cause of  Justice and Human Rights.  

This Generation is determined to fight  Systemic Racism  at all costs.  Raised in the era of a Black President who advocated  Hope  and  Change, taught by parents and grandparents from the Black Panther Party, Vietnam War Protests, Black Conscious Movement in the ’70s, and the Civil Rights Movements, this new generation  is  not having it anymore!  

White Privilege and  Systemic Racism 

What gives the Police the confidence that they can terrorize Black and Brown communities and get away with it? Why are most Whites comfortable with the Status Quo?  Racism today is not drinking from a segregated water fountain, eating at segregated lunch counters, or attending segregated schools. It is not the KKK burning a cross in your lawn, or openly calling you a “Nigger” in public.  

Systemic Racism  is less overt and far more subtle. It is not in your face, or physical, but knowing that the game is different for Whites than people of Color. We can measure Systemic Racism in the disparities in Wealth, Income, Politics, Education, Housing, Health, Homelessness, Prison Population, Unemployment, Corporations, and the Criminal Justice system. Example; How many current Black Governors are there in the U.S.? How many Black CEO’s are in the Top Fortune 500 Corporations? Who consistently has the Highest Unemployment rates? Who has the highest prison rate? Who’s most likely to drop out of College? What group has the most Homeless population? What population is most affected by COVID-19? What neighborhoods face more Food Insecurities? Shall I continue? Do you think this is by coincidence or design?  

White Privilege  are inherent advantages and societal privilege that benefits Whites. It is knowing that the rules are different, and the playing field is not equal. When Politicians, News Anchors, and Corporate Execs says stupid “Racist Shit” out loud, that’s White Privilege. When White Cops beat and kill Black/Brown folks without repercussions, that’s White Privilege. When Whites get promoted to positions, over a more qualified Black person, that’s White Privilege. When Whites has access to better Healthcare, Job Opportunities, Housing, Small Business Loans, Credit, etc., that’s White Privilege. When a White family “Cheats” and bribe their children’s way into College, and gets a slap on the wrist, that’s White Privilege. When a White Man can get away with Murder, that’s White Privilege! 

All Lives Matter! 

Yes, of course they do. However, the  Black Lives Movement  is for Justice and Humanity that has been deprived to Blacks for over 400 years.  Blacks have been Oppressed, Discriminated, Abused by the Police, and the Criminal Justice System constantly for centuries in America. Meanwhile, White  Supremacy has reigned in our Country since the early European settlers arrived in the 1600’s.  

Yes, All Lives Matter is exactly what the Black Lives Matter Movement is screaming to the framers of the U.S. Constitution, when they classified Blacks as three fifth (3/5) a person, and excluded blacks in the Declaration of Independence of “All Men are Created Equal” (Yes, that part). Their screaming to the slave masters that we’re Not Property but People. Their screaming to “Jim Crow Laws” that we want a seat at the table, and be treated with dignity.  Their screaming to the Police “I Can’t Breathe” I’m not an animal, please take your knee off of my neck! Their screaming to the World, that we are Humans, and deserve to be treated equally! 

The Solutions 

The Los Angeles South Chamber of Commerce was created to build, and sustain communities of color that has been historically overlooked and discriminated against. Our  Mission  is to create economic growth through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and financial literacy training. We accomplish this mission through our Four (4) pillars of services; Business Development, Networking, Advocacy, and Community Engagement (HOPE). Our Business Model is Cooperative Economics and Collaborations. For more information, contact us at  (323) 282-1886  and visit  www.LASouthChamber.com 

 
My Hope  is that this Generation turns their anger into a  Plan,  their passion into a  Purpose, and  organize to  continue this fight for  Justice  and  Equality.