People of color (POC) need to do more to help each other. I see it too often where someone has made it and they do little to help others, especially POC, unless it somehow benefits them. Too many people are worried about their brands regardless of whether they are real or just simply in their own minds.
Lil Wayne recently made comments during a broadcast Nightline interview in which he said in part regarding Black Lives Matter, “I am a young, Black, rich motherf*****, if that don’t let you know that America understand Black s*** matter these days, I don’t know what it is…My s*** matter.” When pressed further about Black Lives Matter, he continued, “I don’t feel connected to a damn thing that ain’t got nothing to do with me.”
It’s too easy to roast Wayne for the statement, and many have already done so. It’s important to reference it, because unfortunately far too many people who have “made it” have encased themselves in that bubble of denial and, frankly, ignorance in which the personal struggles or lack thereof are lost on them as to what is effecting our overall communities.
In America as different as we all are across racial and cultural boundaries, we often want similar things. Generally speaking people want a comfortable home, in a safe clean area, good jobs and optimum educational opportunities for our children. We are fundamentally similar in wanting a piece of the American dream. Nothing wrong with wanting success and stability for yourself or your family, but as POC we can never forget to reach back and help others, who may be less fortunate or less resourceful , toward reaching similar goals.
It is very easy once you have become successful, to create this narrative that you achieved success with little to no help from others and that because you were able to do so, others should as well. First off, no one becomes successful completely on their own. Understandably the work ethic and perseverance may have been the most defining factors along with receiving minimal help, but everyone receives help, opportunity or support of some kind toward their path to success.
I was not even born with a wooden spoon, and while no one gave me anything, I would be flagrantly inaccurate if I was dismissive of the support and opportunities that my mother, a few teachers and my mentor provided in enabling me to steer clear of a path that most of my peers from the neighborhood traveled.
I would also be remiss in not acknowledging the Malcolm’s and Martin’s and the many others who literally gave their lives and sacrificed so that, I could enjoy the civil liberties and opportunities that so many of us simply take for granted. The road may still be difficult, but it pales in comparison to the restrictive and oppressive conditions that POC endured prior to our generations.
You know what police shootings of unarmed Blacks and Hispanics were called back in the day?…Monday…Tuesday…Wednesday… Progress has been made, but it is also clear that a majority of POC are still burdened daily with either active systemic racism or the residual effects of long standing practices and policies.
For those that have been able to rise up and above the numerous challenges that come with being a POC in the United States, congratulations. Now reach back and help others. Mentor others who may not have had your resources. Help others understand the path, and pratfalls you faced, to better navigate their journey.
Think about how many times in your own journey, when you reflected upon if you had had better guidance, resources, opportunities… how much faster you could have achieved success or how much more could have been accomplished. What is stopping you from helping others get there? The answer should absolutely be rhetorical. We have an obligation, collectively as a community to help others.
You may not be able to help everyone, but there are surely people in your family, circle of acquaintances or community that could use guidance and opportunity. Besides simply sharing the fruits of your success in envious displays via social media, make sure you are equally sharing those blessing with others by minimally providing opportunity and mentorship.
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#helpothers, #PeopleOfColor, #POC, #reachback, #community, #LilWayne, #blacklivesmatter
