Jena 6 A Color-Free Vision
September 28, 2007
Shelia
Tags: Jena 6, Michael Bell
“Will our Society ever be Color-Free?” I’ve had countless conversations on this issue. The more and more I hear about the injustice that has occurred in Jena, LA (a central Louisiana town), the more and more it upsets me.
Thank God for the Al Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons, Martin Luther Kings, etc. who have not put down the torch for justice for all. Prayers work and uniting together works. Michael Bell was freed on bail Thursday.
In this day and time, we shouldn’t be dealing with racial issues, but we are. In this day and time, our children should be free to live in a society that will accept them on their merits, not the color of their skin.
Whether you’re Black, Hispanic, White, etc…it shouldn’t matter. What should matter is your character? How can we develop the character of our kids if we’re always having to explain the ignorance and hatred of some people’s actions? What’s going on in Jena shouldn’t be happening in 2007.
Do you think our society will ever be color-free?
To add some food for thought, here’s a poem I wrote on the subject.
Color-Free
© 2007 by Shelia M. GossThe color of my skin shouldn’t define me
Because when I go out of this country,
American is all they see.My Brown-sugar, Caramel, Ebony, Hershey-chocolate,
Mahogany, Mocha, Vanilla complexion
Is only an outer shell.
You have to dig Deeper,
If you want to know
What’s embedded in my mind.My skin color might hint to my Races
Past struggles and pain,
But don’t lose the fact that we’re
Individuals and not all the same.One day I hope we can all
Be one big happy family
In the meantime, I’ll leave a legacy
To the younger generation.Show by example on how to get through
Life’s complications.
I will teach them how to love
Through my own interactions.I will show them how to give
And not wait for someone’s reaction.
I will encourage them to dream and not
Let society dictate who they can be.I will show them the benefit of believing in
Oneself, but most of all in a Higher Being.I hope to see the manifestation of my vision
A society that’s COLOR-FREE.
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1.
don | September 28, 2007 at 10:20 am
First off, nice poem.
Secondly, it’s really hard for me to believe the entire world can, nor ever will, make a conscious effort to do away with racism. I seriously doubt it. Between the past, present and future behavior of people who have been taught, and affected by racist people’s behavior, it doesn’t seem likely. I know this may sound crazy but segregation could be the only answer to that question.
2.
Mega Rich | September 28, 2007 at 8:05 pm
good dream. the earth is cursed and so shall it be till Jesus returns.
3.
MsJayy | September 29, 2007 at 6:49 am
I think asking for a color-free world is a mistake in that by not seeing/acknowledging a person’s color, you negate a large part of who they are, what history/culture/traditions help shape them, etc. I do think we should see BEYOND color so it’s just human to human interaction.
Do I think it will happen? No.
4.
Shelia | September 29, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I know we’ll never be color-free but it sure would be something if we were…no more racism…my,my,my wouldn’t that be nice.