Just remember, Black people didn’t love Obama either… and he was Black!
Black people, a group with a very long history of racially charged actions and behaviors behind us, continue to avoid unity in any way that we possibly can.
As of right now, Donald Trump—a man who, on more than one occasion over the decades, has publicly condemned the Black race and advocated for its demise, particularly Black men—has found his way back into office. While a large number of Black people are taking it upon themselves to educate their peers, others are choosing to bash one another and make jokes based on marginalized communities in the country.
Black people are no strangers to lies and deceit implemented against us under the guise of religious rhetoric. However, for some reason, whenever we face something that threatens our livelihood, we believe it best to preach about the goodness of God—the same God who allowed horrific actions to be carried out in His name for years, deeds that have led many Black people to live in fear, worrying that similar actions may well happen again under His watch.
Now, before people start accusing me of speaking against religion or discouraging belief in God, I must clarify that I call on my God every single night. In fact, as the election was happening and the results were coming in, I called God’s name more than I ever have in a single night.
If you have a group of people who continuously question the presence of this figure not only in their lives, but in the lives of their lost Black brothers and sisters, and then you tell them—on one of the most serious nights of their lives—that despite this negative outcome and the election of a man who, while in office, did nothing to aid this community or offer any solution to the continuous slaughter of Black people every week, then what do you expect them to do?
So while some Black people are rightfully furious over the outcome of the election, other Black people are furious because some Black people are either fond of the results or don’t seem to care at all. And while they are going at it on “Black twitter,” you have a completely separated group of Black people who want us to throw away our beliefs and believe that voting third party was the best thing to do in this election.
Now, true enough, in a more perfect society where we aren’t forced to choose between two main party candidates, voting third party could be an actual idea; however, voting third party in the 2024 election may have been one of the most questionable actions I believe anyone could have taken.
It seems as if the only thing Black people can be unified on is the fact that there is no unity.
If seeing that Jill Stein does no advocacy or campaigning outside of presidential elections isn’t enough, then maybe the endorsement of David Duke would lead to a change in beliefs. And if that still isn’t enough to alter your views, then perhaps her attempt to gain votes based on Palestinian genocide, followed by her talk about connections to Israel, might show just how phony she appears to be. Even if you’re still unwilling to acknowledge her questionable motives, consider her sitting at a table with Putin, refusing to call him what he is: a fascist.
Moving on from the privileged and seemingly hypocritical Jill Stein, the man she chose to run alongside was simply another transphobe seeking power and influence. I suppose the slogan “Forget the lesser evil. Fight for the greater good” only applies to those who can truly afford to take that chance. Unfortunately, despite what they might believe, no Black person is in that position.
Feel ashamed of who you chose to vote for, and next time, step down from your high horse.
Now to close off this message I would like to issue the apologies that other people will never give.
To the Black women who are shown every day that they mean nothing to those who are supposed to love and care for them the most, I extend my most sincere apologies.
Speaking for myself, I truly cannot emphasize enough how impactful Black women are, whether it be culturally, through the provision of countless memes; through the continuous support of your Black sons, brothers and friends; or through the countless blood, sweat and tears you’ve given to a country and society that continues to push you further down.
It sickens me to see how Black women are treated, especially considering that while I watch others try their hardest to instill shame and self-hatred, the Black women in my life remind me every day of the ways I am loved and genuinely cared for.
To my Black queer brothers and sisters, my heart aches for the continuous resentment we face from those who share our common experiences. I hold hope that a day will come when, despite our differing beliefs around each other’s lifestyles, the Black community can cast these divisions aside and unite for the greater good.
To the Black lesbians who fight tooth and nail for even an ounce of representation—you are seen, and you are so very loved. To the Black gay men who are often told they are either too gay or not gay enough, I understand completely, and I believe that times will change.
To the Black trans community, I pray deeply that a day will come when you feel true support from somewhere, anywhere. Continue to be Black and queer—continue to be you.
To all American Black boys, understand that while the country may seem as if it is constantly working against you, there is absolutely nothing that you can’t do. You should always let that blue light shine.
My heart aches for the Black community.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
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