BLACK LIVES MATTER? Black Lives Matter.
As I allow my eyes to gaze through the complicated lens that is the history of Blacks in America, one question that always seems to wrestle itself to the surface of my mind is, "Why did it take so much and why did it take so long to abolish something that any "decent" human being could easily see was horrifically wrong?" Most reasonable people agree that the forcible abducting, enslaving, and breeding of approximately 10 to 15 million African black men, women, boys, and girls was unequivocally wrong. When the Declaration of Independence announced the United States' separation and freedom from Great Britain, on July 4, 1776, it also established equality for all mankind. But unfortunately, the millions of enslaved Africans in America were not included.
Why Did it Take So Much? ... Why Did it Take So Long?
In 1861, almost 85 years after The Declaration of Independence was written, The Civil War (the bloodiest war in United States history, killing approximately 620,000 people) was fought over the question, "Do Black Lives Matter?" And for about four years (1,460 days) the blood of human lives spilled into the soil of our Nation over a matter that, in my opinion, could have been clarified and resolved by first graders! Although the Confederacy conceded to the Union, combat ceased, and the 13th Amendment was signed in 1865 (legally abolishing slavery), I believe the psychological war within the United States in relation to morality towards Black in America never actually came to an end. Therefore, this Civil War continues today.
Understanding this reality impacts me in ways I could never explain. To know and hear the same perpetual cry coming from Black Americans today after more than 400 years of Systemic Racism is emotionally numbing. I am, however, very encouraged, and hopeful. I believe that America is postured for its greatest days yet! When I view various media outlets and see people of every age, culture and ethnicity protesting and standing on behalf of dignity for Blacks in America, I am reassured. I am confident that in the coming days, months, and years, we will see the end of this "Civil War" and it will be understood instinctively that Black Lives Matter along with all other lives. Each of us, together, as one Nation and people, will exemplify and defend, in truth, the moral values and founding principles that make America so great.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. --THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - JULY 4, 1776
Black Lives Matter? BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Written by Pastor Aramis D. Hinds Sr.