Heritage, Our Story..And The
Flag IssuePeace and Blessings to
everyone!
At first I was not going to
give my two "sense(s)" (common sense and book sense) regarding this
issue involving the confederate flag. Some of you would say it's a
political issue and we need to leave it alone. No, this issue involves
our history, and heritage. We need not sit idly by (like a knot on a
log) while the world around us is constantly changing.
I could care
less about the flag matter but when I hear African Americans on television
uttering statements such as "it's not going to change anything" and other folks
(caucasians) saying "it represents our heritage" I just want to scream. Both
ethnic groups are misguided.
African
Americans fought and died for the confederacy!
Yes, Africans
fought for the Confederate States of America! Africans built defenses for the
Confederates. Africans manned cannons for the Confederates. Africans piloted,
worked on and/or manned naval ships for the confederacy. Africans protected
and/or served confederate soldiers during the war. African women in
Savannah, Georgia supported the war efforts of the confederacy! Africans
received pensions as confederate war veterans and went to confederate veteran
reunions.
Now you know and I know
that most of those Africans did not have a choice in their actions.
They were forced by the rebels to act against the best interest of the group.
They had to survive in a hostile environment.
So, my family, the
confederate battle flag is a part of our heritage. It doesn't belong to
caucasians alone. Since it is a part of our heritage then we have a
right to say to the world . . . it's a part of our heritage, too; we don't
care for it and we want it removed/gone/stricken or whatever. You are in a
stronger position because not only are you saying that it is offensive but you
are speaking from the position of an insider (it's a part of your heritage).
You are no longer an outsider telling folks to change it.
Our (his)story in America is complex.
Life is complex. Don't let others misguide you. If you allow that to occur you
will pass misinformation to others (such as your children and other family
members). Wonder why some of us act and behave as if we don't have any sense?
It's due to some of us being misguided and misinformed. The truth is
liberating. You have to know where you have come from to know where you
need to go.
I don't want to see and hear some of you on television
saying "nothing is going to change". Imagine if Jesus (A.S.) had taken that
position regarding the Roman government. Positive change will never occur if you do nothing. The
Creator has given us the ability and tools to change the world to make it a
better place for our families and future generations.
I am not consumed
by the flag issue. I do believe that we always need to be prepared and
protected by the truth so we won't be misled or misinformed. What effects my
brother or sister can eventually effect me.
*NOTE: After this article
was written, the Georgia Legislature voted to change the state
flag.
Love you all,
Jamal |
