Here's some Centuries Past Military Negroes in Montana. Many of the White Folks here, now...? Who've come to America since "we" got here? 'Join in heartily talkin' about Native Black Americans as if they participated in slavery.
A fair amount fly the flag on their front yard and claim a history that their kin "really" didn't participate in? And cop attitude toward folks been here for Centuries? It happens because Native Blacks allow it; "Accept" it. (and yes, I do understand loving your country and being proud to represent that --per displaying the Flag--that's not what I'm talking about)...
Suggestion: Native Blacks--Define yourself by the "uniqueness" of your Kin/ Family. Take PRIDE in being among the original BUILDERS of "America"(even IF for no damn money/kidnapped by "Criminals of Humanity").
Your roots run deep, here. You got kin who fought/shed blood in EVERY damn war . Stop allowing/accepting Mofos who jus' got here to discuss and define you(as if you ain't in the room). Yes, it IS complex. But from now to future? INTEGRITY, STRENGTH, REAL POWER...begins with YOU defining who you are as "Kinfolk", HERE. "Native Black Americans."
MOWTOWN, JACK JOHNSON, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., ADAM CLAYTON POWELL(S), JIMI HENDRIX, JIM BROWN, MUHAMMAD ALI, MALCOLM X, ARETHA FRANKLIN, WHITNEY HOUSTON, TEMPTATIONS, JOE LOUIS, MILES DAVIS, JOHN COLTRANE, AUGUST WILSON, JACKIE ROBINSON, FREDERICK DOUGLASS, BUFFALO SOLDIERS, TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, JESSE OWENS, JELLY ROLL MORTON, SERENA WILLIAMS, "SMOKEY" ROBINSON...and on and on and on--all shades, colors and mixes of "Native Black American".
Negroes of past had some good ideas. "Talented Tenth", via Dubois, being among them.
I'm among a growing number of "Been Here" Black Americans who have ditched that damn "African-American" crap(in my case, 'NEVER accepted it). It's a bad joke... like still working as a slave after the human kidnappers were no longer "empowered" to rule you...but kept it a secret from you--so they could keep "using" your ass. "REAL "Africans who come to America gotta be scratchin' their heads on that one. Huh?
"Been-Here" Black Folks--are "specific" and have paid one helluva price, collectively, in being here. You've paid the price and paved the way for others. And far too many show up--and look down/try to(If Truth be told--and you know it).
Claim your stake and stake your claim. Don't be a beggar in your own damn house. OWN IT.
"Been Here" Negroes are playing themselves--and allowing themselves to be "played" by groups jus' got here--and coming..."trying" to look down, elevate themselves--"use"...and on and on. It's part of what "Humans" do/have done since showing up on Earth. I get it.
To this Native Black American--who identifies with the "Been Here" folks I claim as ""kin"? "Native Black American" is the perfect distinction/description for "me". It clarifies that the Ancestors and Folks who've affected MY Life--
are/been HERE.
If I was to choose a model for Native Black Americans of how a "people" might work together, in concert to mutually support and advance their "kin and kind"--in America...it would be the Jews. Others do and have done the same/similar. Italians, Irish, Vietnamese(see movie "ALAMO BAY") "ANGLOS"and others. I feel Jewish Americans have done it best.
It should not be "taboo" to speak of or learn from others. There is nothing negative in it. It works. Native Black Americans could learn a lot from other successful models. As they say "some of my best friends have been Jews"--and I learned from our exchanges. My "observations".
EVERYBODY talks loud and has all kinds of "opinions" on Native Blacks... much of it condescending and de-empowering/negative...subtle and bold. With Jews? It's a whisper. HUGE affective difference. Whose fault(or collective "smarts" on their part) is that?
Crap like "BLACK LIVES MATTER"? Can you imagine any other self/image aware" group rollin' with that weak sh--?
My own "take"?--it comes mainly from from women. And "Others".
And I DO remember the early articles I found had the "leaders" being 3 women who were NOT "Native Black American" women--but CLEARLY identified as immigrants.
Article ALSO mentioned that one of the goals of their BLM Movement was IMMIGRATION REFORM.
At the time I didn't understand. "How are the 2 connected?" Been looking for that article since. I KNOW it exists. Either I mistakenly deleted it--or some of the odd "shadow-banning" and Nazi-like "shadow-gatekeepers" 86'd it--along with a bunch of other "odd" stuff happening of late. To EVERYBODY.
And the "men" who initially joined/pushed BLACK LIVES MATTER? We'll get into that complexity, later. I've already got enough goin' to become persona non grata in a BUNCH of places.
*And the aforementioned does NOT mean not working with ALL Americans... it just means... real is real. Recognizing that ALL in "America" have some beautiful core stuff in-common should be #1. At end--"most" passing through this Life want the best for "all". I hope.
AW 10-14-21