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Just Picture This!

Dear Editor:

The call for restrain is being heard across the States after the Not Guilty verdict for White, 28-year-old, George Zimmerman, in killing of Black, 17-year-old teenager, Trayvon Martin in Florida.

Hence, in attempting to be rational with the decision that came down, many questions are being asked; here are two: Why would a jury of six be the number chosen? Why were they all White in a case of this magnitude?

It may be reasonable to say that race does play a part in the decision of this case. The free-spirited way of people of African heritage needs to come to bear on an issue like this.

If this is the true justice for a case of this nature; will it cause an open season of profiling and killing across nations where people of African heritage are in minority?

If we are to have a caring, loving society, then for the power that be, people must come to accept that Black people are not going anywhere than where they are. They are on planet Earth like everyone else. Certainly, they need to process their resources in more collective ways. Do not think that Black people are not aware that they have paid a price for their existence. They have gone through more treacherous times, and they shall survive.

Understand people of creation, we are all one. People’s colour differs, yet because of geographic areas and complexion, some get ahead faster, irresponsive of education. That, though is unacceptable, is the way of life. Opportunities should be open to people of all colours in all levels of government and businesses. It matters not what you think, there is no such thing as Black blood. Blood is blood in all people, so get with it. People are people all over the world. We are one. We all belong.

There is no need to take the law into our own hands. Although the justice system, and the political seats of government are mostly held by people of one colour in this society, the consciousness of universal justice must come to bear in accordance with the rules of law, and the plan of the Almighty.

Mercy! Mercy! When one thinks that the system is seemingly filled with obstacles that Black youths must face daily; do you wander why some of them are afraid of the police? It is by no easy stretch that some parents are worried when their children leave home to be faced by the police and the wider society.

Think about it, there is ‘carding!’ There is profiling! Think about what the parents of young Blacks are thinking even when their children are trying to climb the education ladder. Who is going to step up to the plate and render a sense of comfort and position of authority to the learned African Canadians? It is about time we stop writing about the “First this! And first that”, when it comes to promotion of African Canadians. A note to those volunteering in campaigns, make sure that you are wanted for sensitive positions when the political campaign is over.

Reading the July 11 edition of Share newspaper, “Mutual respect” editor Arnold Auguste, made the concern of the Black community known directly to Deputy Chief Peter Sloly, about ‘carding and profiling? Sloly was quick to respond. ‘Carding’ is where Black youths are stopped, questioned and let go. The problem with that is, the more they are stopped and ‘carded’ is the more suspicion placed on them in the police database, and at some point in time, that youth may be charged for merely having too many ‘carded’ stops. That is wrong!

So we have Martin, and Zimmerman’s case, however, how many more are there in our own backyard that we are not reading about? How is it that the prison is being filled with Black youths? Enforcement by the police should be done as they are mandated, ‘to serve and to protect.’ We hope, in time, a more just society will shine bright in society across the globe. May the Almighty guide and protect caring citizens to stand up and be counted in the ship of faith, love and respect.

Dr. Winston Harding

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