Rather than making comments about the court decision that took place in the recent trial of George Zimmerman. I think it is important to take note of just what this trial was about.

The argument made my many is that this case was "not about race". To those individuals I say, you're right it's not about race. It's about the very real oppressive system that is instilled in this country and perpetuated behind a curtain of false progress.

I am reminded of a particular night when I was headed out of my house in Kent to kick it with Angelo. It was a little passed 10 and my father had asked me where I was going.

"I'm just gonna go kick it with Angelo" I responded

"Okay, it's late watch out for the cops" he said

My mom, hearing this, responded in a slightly joking manner "look at the world we live in, where we're telling you to watch out for the police when you got outside"

I laughed it off at the time, but the words stuck with me throughout that night and resonate quite deeply at this moment.

I am reminded of the countless young men and women of color (and particularly, young black men and women) in this country who's parents often caution them to curtail their emotions, be vigilante of their attire, and conscious of other people's perceptions of their behavior when they leave the comfort of their homes and communities. That if you "act up", invoke frustration, dress "out of the ordinary" or do not fit into their image of what is respectable....excuse me.....I mean acceptable, then your fate will be determined at the hands of those who share privilege over you.

That there are those in our society who share a privilege in not having to think of these things on daily basis.

And I am also reminded of the very real privileges that I do have in this country, and that everyone of us shares a balance, or rather, an imbalance of privileges and oppression.

I would challenge you to look to see where you stand in this, where do you fall in this imbalanced system of privilege, power and oppression and how are you perpetuating that way of thinking?

How are you supporting a platform to allow voices that are often silenced or invalidated to be heard. Or is all your yelling and "speaking" on their behalf just silencing them even more?

All I know is that I will learn to channel my frustration in whatever manner I wish, but be mindful of whether my words and actions are truly resisting the system of oppression.

Peace and Love,


Fooligan Crew