Independence For What, and Freedom For Whom?

Here we are in a world filled with ups and downs, uncharted emotions abound with no whim and fancy for the much-maligned Third World. Independence Day was yesterday, and here I am one day removed on July 5^th 2007 pondering the thought if others feel as I do -- chagrined and challenged. With bombs bursting in the air and star spangled banners waving eloquently and equivocally, twenty four hours have passed and I wonder if anyone has thought how free we really are. Modern day slavery is being waged unmercifully without regard to righteous intent and impunity is impartial to justice. Darfur and the Sudan are screaming in our ears for intervention and we ignore the children being forced into all kinds of atrocities. You’d think that people of color would learn the advantages of collective cohesiveness to rise above the social injustices that has held us bondage after more than 400 years of subservience. Are we really free, and independent of what?

Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence? Part of which reads: “…It’s evident that all men are created equal.” They were hardly speaking of us, and we embrace this holiday like we were married to it. It sickens me to see grown men in our streets shooting up firecrackers, sparkles, and other fireworks for misplaced celebratory practices without regard for looking at the bigger picture. The money, mind you, could be spent on more viable things of worth in lieu of some frivolous day that is meaningless when the celebrants are not cognizant of tangible circumstances for valued venues. The sobering thought of just how much we take for granted here in the States is mind-boggling when other parts of the world struggle to even survive on a daily basis. What does Independence Day mean to me?

It means nothing to me when I’m not able to look far beyond my immediate peripheral vision and realize that something is amiss. I don’t do fireworks, don’t barbeque, gave up pork years ago, and glad that Amerikka has given up a day of work less 364 other days with reminding you that you are not totally free. Moreover, you’re certainly not free when you’re still punching someone else’s time clock and not working for yourself. What price freedom? Everything, when living in a country that doesn’t see you as an equal and racism is institutionally entrenched. Think about this intrinsically, and stop following the bandwagon! Don’t sell me a bill of goods and pretend that we’re not responsible to help those that are not fortunate enough to have a spoon, no less a silver one. Give it to me real…simple, straight with no chaser, and realize that you ARE your brother’s keeper. Think about those that are not truly liberated, and free yourself!

He Said He Would - And He DID It!

Much can be learned from young Barrington Irving. Yes, he's that brash and confident young fellow who took on all the naysayers and proved them wrong...who had nothing but hopes, prayers, and a lot of adrenalin flowing in the right direction. By now, you should know his story. I was there from the beginning when he first attempted to get the ear of those who would listen. Mr. Irving, an aerospace student, built his airplane from more than $300,000 donated over a period of time for parts. He left attempting to become the youngest pilot to circumnavigate the globe, and is believed to be the first of his age and race to do so. To boot, he has earned private and commercial pilots licenses, while founding Experience Aviation, a non-profit organization to encourage other minority youths to become motivated and interested in flying.

Contributions flew in from those that believed, yours truly included, but there were plenty people who doubted and formed skeptic views. As I watched and dried the tears that clouded my eyes, I prayed that this would truly come to fruition. I mentor to young black boys that needed to see this, and needed to be in the number that was on hand to see him off. I wanted them to know that they too, can dream, and should let nothing deter them from using diligence to measure success.

I watched the throng that braved the high wind and cloudy skies on his landing and knew that admiration, pride, and a sense of belonging was inherent in all. I had butterflies and was antsy myself awaiting his arrival. Opa Locka airport is but a stone's throw from my mother's back yard and in the front of my visionary goals for my boys. The new millennium has not been kind to young boys of color. They needed something to point to decry the ill-will permeating their communities. Now, Barrington has given them a new lease and yet more time to commune and endeavor for the same type of success. Rising to the occasion, stepping up to the plate, and advocating change are subjects that have been prevalent in my mind, and this event is par for the course - and welcomed! Thank you, Barrington Irving for believing and making a possible dream yours. Young minds are apt to follow!