"Carrying you is killing us"

by Amber Rogers

"I think when Black folks refuse to vote and make their voices heard on issues that impact their lives, that it speaks to the sickness within their very souls." That lazy, slothful, inbred sickness of self-loathing and helplessness that has been systematically passed down through generations and the chain of this apathy must be broken. It is still your obligation during this global pandemic, to seek-out answers regarding your state's new "vote-by-mail systems," and to get some clarity about how to safely cast your ballots! What happened in the state of Wisconsin, was pure negligence in regards to their Primary and should act as a cautionary tale of things to come in November! It was an attempt by the Republicans to deter voters (putting thousands at risk) and bully the American people into submission. But as a strong, present force we cannot out of fear "just let this one slide!"

For all of the Shanaynay's, Shaniqua's and Jethro's out there that are spending these pre-election, Coronavirus- days on Facebook; posting your neighborhood "Karens" and belittling each other over the wearing of face masks- "I'm going to need you to focus!" To all the "Boss-Chicks" and backroom pimps who aren't woke enough to even pick up a newspaper, or aren't cognizant enough to listen to the news of the day- "you are accurst!" However, scripture says: "The strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak"... and so we shall! The woke among us will keep trying to nourish this sick generation back to life with the medicine of information, and equip you with the tools needed in hopes of your resuscitation. Because on the chopping block of your lives now lies a plethora of change. Changes that will impact and dictate your trajectory.

Nothing stimulates the flesh to run to its body's assistance more than a good-'ole slice across the vein of its life-line. Soon to crumble in your world will be many of the bridges and equalizers that were needed within the Black community. (Something that a stimulus check will never provide.) These bridges, which once offered a hand-up to many African-Americans, are now being systemically deconstructed and burnt to the ground and they are now crudely regarded as your "pacifiers." The chopping board of your future is now ladened with the carcasses and remnants of generations passed. The meat of Federal and State welfare programs, cash assistance, healthcare, medical provisions, food assistance, housing, energy and utility subsidies are all now being filleted and sectioned off because of their fat content. However, you have not propelled yourself to the table. The promised crumbs of today's moratoriums on your utilities and evictions had you blind sighted until (yet again) reality revealed itself and your belongings into the streets! Your continuous lack of concern involving your civic duty to yourselves and your community is none- existent and has placed the cleaver into the hands of a happy butcher. You have now become the meme of a fat, Cheshire Cat; "jumping up and down in front of the glass at the local seafood store." You are on the outside looking in.

When then-candidate Donald Trump asked the African American Community "what have you got to lose?" in his bid for the presidency, he was indeed counting on you for your lack of foresight and response. Because foresight would have exposed to you the fact that African Americans would stand to lose billions in programs and services which will make it harder for Black people to raise healthy children, get an education, live within safe neighborhoods, and secure adequate housing. The current surge in the numbers of African Americans being disproportionately affected by COVID-19 is bringing these facts front and center as to who is getting tested, and who dies during this Pandemic. We have fallen victim to our own rhetoric and our own ignorance regarding this disease. We have chosen myths and conspiracy theories over science, facts, and intelligence and your government is unmoved by this disparity. It has instead dangled the atrocity of abortion and the promise of prayer in your schools over your heads for the promise of the Christian vote; regardless of the current president's crimes against humanities, lies, deceits and all around traitorous behavior against the American people! Well, guess what! Real Christians will always come against abortion and pray at home with their children! We don't need our children praying to entities or deities which we do not believe in, while they adhere to it as an "all inclusive, prayer, slipped in between our children's morning Graham crackers, and the reading of their days itinerary! No, ladies and gentlemen, this is not a righteous or a spiritual vote because neither candidate are qualified. This is however, a race for humanity and the upholding of the Constitution!

Last but certainly not least; the effects of this last election, should have rocked you to your core and all of your unawares should now stand at attention! Today's foresight should now parlay you (with the quickness) past yet another impulse purchase of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and lead you to your search bar to seek out: "how to safely vote in my community." After all, "how can you be the change if you don't make the change?"...ijs