June 19th, 1865 commemorates the end of slavery in the United States of America.

Growing up as a child in the South, namely in Ensley Alabama, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement was a very pensive time.

I saw what I thought was the dismantling of Systemic Racism.  I use to hear the elders talk about the hangings and beatings and acts of what I now recognize as domestic terrorism.

Even in my time it was said that an African American man was driving though downtown Birmingham at night with a fair skin sister sitting in the front seat of his car. He was pulled over by the police and questioned : “boy “!!!, why is this white woman sitting in the front seat of this car with you? A most uncomfortable time for both of them I am sure.

At the same time, I never been as proud to be able to go to Britling Cafeteria for dinner! My uncle lead a convoy of us to Eastwood Mall to have that dinner that night, and oh what a feast did we have! I remember the bill was somewhere around 75+ dollars. I also remember how proud my uncle was to be able to pay that money in cash! As small as it may seem now it was a great accomplishment!

But little did I know then that Systemic Racism had just changed clothes and was alive and well!

Reflecting over the recent events in our country, and I did say, our country, my heart bleeds!

It seems like I have been living in a time warp, to see that many caucasian people STILL hold on to the belief and lie  that we are 3/5 human and inferior. If that is not enough, they teach their children this lie into perpetuity!!! This group of people treat animals with more respect and dignity than they do African Americans. Legislation is in place to prevent animal abuse, and it should be. There is an oxymoron in there, can you see it?

I am just sitting here reflecting, talking to the Lord. Saying”

LAWD WE AIN’T FREE YET!!!